Salthouse makes his handicap debut in the feature© Photo Healy Racing
The three-day Derby Festival gets under way at the Curragh on Friday evening with the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 'Ragusa' Handicap the feature on a seven-race programme.
Handicap debutant Salthouse looks well-treated by the conditions of the race and is sure to have plenty of supporters.
The Jim Bolger-trained three-year-old ran out a good winner of his maiden at Leopardstown earlier this month and he had subsequent Ulster Derby victor Botany Bay behind him along with Pour Deux who won her maiden at Naas on Wednesday. Sempre Medici looks one of his biggest rivals. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding was fourth in the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud back in November of 2012 and he was also placed in Listed company in France.
He makes his Flat debut for Mullins here and can be expected to give a good account of himself with Pat Smullen in the saddle.
The likeable Shalaman is another with solid claims while Fog Of War Golden Spear and Coolfighter are others to consider.
The opening When You Want It Done, DoneDeal EBF Fillies Maiden looks an open affair with plenty of well-bred debutants, such as Alice Springs Siamsaiocht Sing For Me and Purple Velvet in the line-up.
Newcomer Aimhirgin Lass represents the President of Ireland in the DoneDeal Ireland's Largest Classifieds Website EBF Maiden and it will be interesting to see how this John Oxx-trained filly gets on. Ask Dad who won at Naas on Wednesday, will bid to quickly follow-up in the the Today FM Handicap.
The consistent Indian Landing is among his chief rivals and he should go close while others to consider in this competitive contest are Captain Cullen Calm Bay Shipyard and Dark Alliance
After winning his last three over flights Eshtiaal reverts back to the level in the DoneDeal Apprentice Derby.
Jack Kennedy takes the ride on Gordon Elliott's gelding, who is likely to prove popular. On A Pedestal is another set to feature prominently in the betting. The daughter of Montjeu will appreciate the step up in trip and Ana O'Brien again takes the ride for her father, Aidan. Morning Mix and Gulf Of Poets are the stand out names in the Clear Your Clutter With DoneDeal EBF Maiden, but plenty of interest will surround Gelenschik
She is a Dalakhani newcomer and represents a rare runner in the Moyglare Stud colours for the aforementioned Oxx.
Moyglare's breeding advisor Fiona Craig explained: "Walter Haefner had horses with John Oxx snr and later John himself and the stud now have this one filly with him.
"The majority of our horses are with Dermot, but we also have horses with Sir Mark Prescott and a couple in America. It just helps keep people on their toes.
"The filly is just starting off, so we'll see how she goes."
Royal Navy Ship, Algonquin King Christophe and Pullman Brown are a few for the shortlist in the Silken Thomas & Lock 13 Handicap.
