Sunday 7 June 2015 16:54, UK
William Buick is expecting the Curragh to suit Jack Hobbs when he runs in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on June 27.
The jockey had to settle for second in the Investec Derby at Epsom on Saturday, having partnered winner Golden Horn in the Dante at York.
With Godolphin now having a majority share in Jack Hobbs, Buick was on the York runner-up at the weekend, and was extremely proud of his effort in defeat to his John Gosden-trained stablemate, ridden by Frankie Dettori.
Buick said: "I did think that I had won, but it wasn't for very long. They are two very good horses and on the day the winner was spectacular. If you look at Jack Hobbs, he will improve and that's what it is all about in my opinion.
"I knew he (Golden Horn) was behind us when I hit the front because I was the key horse for him. The only way I was going to beat him was to get the first run on him, which we did, but we were just beaten by a better horse in what I thought was a very clean and good Derby.
"I don't like finishing second in a race like that, but I am pleased for both John and Frankie.
"I thought the race was smooth and the best two horses were at the forefront. We had it to do and the Dante form suggested that, but it was a proper race run at a good pace.
"I always thought I had ridden the Derby winner when I won the Dante. There was a doubt about his stamina, but I thought he would stay. That was the only horse that could do that to us, I didn't even have to look out of the corner of my eye.
"The Irish Derby would be the next step. I know he was hanging down the camber yesterday, but I think that he is a well-balanced horse. You see it all the time, horses hanging on the camber, so I don't think it is any disadvantage as he quickened on the track.
"The Curragh is a much kinder track and more galloping and much flatter. If the horse is in good form then it is the obvious next step."
