White Birch (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) has been confirmed for the G3 Derby Trial S. at Leopardstown on Sunday.
A winner last out of the G3 Ballysax S., the colt would follow in the wake of Battle Of Marengo (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}), and Bolshoi Ballet (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) as colts to have won both of the Irish Derby Trials in the past 10 years. If successful, the G1 Betfred Derby could be on the horizon at Epsom on June 3.
“He came out of the race at Leopardstown really well and we couldn't be happier with how things are going,” said George Murphy, assistant to his father John. “His work has been great and he is in super form.
“The plan is to go back to Leopardstown for what was the Derrinstown–it's just the Derby Trial now–and after that we can make a decision over whether we go to the Derby or not.
“I have no doubt the trial will be a difficult race, but he's in great form and we're looking forward to it.”
The grey is one of 14 colts entered in the race, which sports a six-pronged Aidan O'Brien entry.
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