Jack Hobbs tops Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby nine

William Buick expects the Curragh course to suit hot favourite Jack Hobbs in Saturday's Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, a race for which nine horses were left entered after Tuesday's declaration stage.

The John Gosden-trained colt chased home stablemate Golden Horn at Epsom earlier in the month but there had been plenty of discussion before the race about whether the twists and turns of the Downs would play to his strengths.

Clearly the course did not present too much of an issue, but Buick believes the Curragh should bring out the best in Jack Hobbs.

He said: "The Curragh will definitely suit him. I think he'll progress, that was only his fourth run.

"It all came thick and fast for him before the Derby, so he's entitled to improve both physically and mentally.

"He's a beautiful horse to ride, you can put him where you want in a race and he goes to sleep.

"He's a galloping horse but he has got a kick, Golden Horn just has another gear, and that showed at Epsom. He's still progressing and learning."

Jack Hobbs is one of nine possibles remaining in the mix for the race.

Adding colour to the occasion, though, is the possible participation of a couple of fillies, including Oaks winner Qualify.

A shock 50/1 winner at Epsom for Aidan O'Brien, she earned a 'win-and-you're-in' ticket when scoring on the Downs and has been added to the Curragh field.

Jim Bolger could also run his Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Pleascach, though she was turned over in the Ribblesdale at Ascot last week. Like Jack Hobbs, she now wears the Godolphin blue.

As well as Qualify O'Brien could run Giovanni Canaletto, fourth at Epsom, French Derby runner-up Highland Reel and Kilimanjaro.

Storm The Stars, who ran such a good race to be third behind Golden Horn and Jack Hobbs, is a possible for William Haggas, while the unbeaten Radanpour is set to be Dermot Weld's representative.

Carbon Dating, eighth at Epsom, completes the list.