Eagle can swoop at The Curragh

I won't win any prizes for originality for nominating Eagle Mountain as the most likely winner of the €1,500,000 Budweiser Irish Derby at The Curragh on Sunday, but, nonetheless, my message is get on at 51/50 with Bet Chronicle as soon as you can, because Aidan O'Brien's runner is certain to be odds-on come post time for this mile and a half Classic. He can give the Ballydoyle trainer his fifth win in the race. The son of Rock Of Gibraltar has performed admirably in both the 2000 Guineas and the Epsom Derby. Although he was beaten five lengths by Authorized in the latter event, Eagle Mountain deserves plenty of credit as he came from way back to claim the runners-up spot, staying on strongly and in turn finishing two and a half lengths clear of the third, Aqaleem. In the absence of the Derby hero Authorized, it's difficult to see what there is to beat the selection. The second favourite for this contest is another O'Brien runner, Soldier Of Fortune. However, considering how far in front of Eagle Mountain he was turning for home, yet was over three lengths adrift of his stablemate at the line, suggests to me that he has a mountain to climb to reverse the placings. I was surprised how well Eagle Mountain fared in the Guineas at Newmarket as he appeared to be crying out for further than a mile last term during his juvenile campaign. However, he ran an absolute stormer, coming home under three lengths adrift of winner Cockney Rebel, finishing a highly respectable fifth. That display proved that he has speed to match stamina, and those attributes will make him incredibly hard to beat on Sunday. Perhaps one of his most dangerous opponents will be Royal Ascot winner Boscobel, who has reportedly come out of his royal exertions in fine fettle and owner Sheikh Mohammed looks set to pay the €150,000 fee required to supplement the progressive colt. Mark Johnston's charge showed his rivals a clean pair of heels when making all in the King Edward VII Stakes and won't mind the likely cut in the ground. Royal And Regal could represent top French trainer Andre Fabre. As ever, Fabre's horses merit the utmost respect as he isn't one to overface his charges. Having said that, it's hard to construct a compelling case for him in this grade after he beat Ashkazar narrowly in a heavy-ground Listed race at Longchamp, form which the latter let down when a well-held sixth behind Boscobel at the royal meeting. The Irish Derby has been a great race for favourite backers - seven of the last 10 jolly's have duly obliged - and punters are advised to lap up the aforementioned price about Eagle Mountain. It won't last long. And he'll win alright. Verdict: 5pts Eagle Mountain @ 51/50 (Bet Chronicle)