Douglas Macarthur and Emmet McNamara (right) cling on from Capri (centre) and Yucatan (left) with Insayshable in behind© Photo Healy Racing
There was a Ballydoyle 1-2-3 in the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes as Douglas Macarthur just did enough to gain the winner's purse of 59,000 Euros under Emmet McNamara.
He was the outsider of the Aidan O'Brien runners at 7/1 but course winner Douglas Macarthur put all his experience to good use from the front.
Winner of his maiden over the track and trip 32 days back Insayshable threatened to take a major hand up the straight but Douglas Macarthur, Yucatan and Capri had it between themselves inside the last. In the end a head and a short head split them.
Insayshable was a length and three parts back in fourth.
"His run the last day would lead you to believe that I probably was on the best of the three although there was very little between them," said McNamara.
"The boss felt that the other two had maybe slightly improved by him but they are three very very nice horses in any case.
"It was just nice to get on one of them and I'm glad he stuck his head in front at the right time.
"He was very tough for me — typical Galileo — head down tries really really hard and you'd nearly feel bad hitting him because he's trying so hard for you.
"He shouldn't have any problem getting a mile and a half after that because turning in I thought I might have been in a little bit of trouble but he stayed and stayed and stayed. Staying won the day for him.
"He's a very uncomplicated horse. I don't see any reason why he wouldn't act around Epsom, he's a brother to a filly that won the Oaks around there. He's a well balanced horse and he can jump smart from the gates and get a position and travel."
Paddy Power go 20/1 from 40/1 about Douglas Macarthur for the Epsom Derby and Betfair are the same. Paddy Power are now 5/1 favourite from 6s about Churchill.
Douglas Macarthur is 14/1 with Ladbrokes.
Ladbrokes go Yucatan 12/1 unchanged and Capri 16/1.
Betfair meanwhile are Churchill 5/1 (from 6/1).
W.J. Lee, rider of Naturalist trained by W. McCreery, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount pulled up lame.
(AM & EM)
