Ryan Moore has chosen Benvenuto Cellini for Sunday’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh, confirming Ballydoyle’s lead riding plan for the Classic rematch with Epsom winner Christmas Day.
The decision gives Aidan O’Brien’s Chester Vase winner a clear vote of confidence after his chaotic Derby at Epsom, where he was later declared a non-runner following a compromised start. Moore had been expected to stay loyal to the Frankel colt, as ReadHorseRacing reported on Thursday, but declarations have now sharpened the shape of the Curragh contest.
Christmas Day Rematch Set At Curragh
The Irish Derby field is built around the Ballydoyle rematch, with Christmas Day bringing the Epsom Classic form back into play and Benvenuto Cellini given the chance to answer the questions left by that controversial start. Racing Post reported that eight runners have been declared, with Moore sticking with Benvenuto Cellini.
That choice matters because it frames Benvenuto Cellini as more than a supporting Ballydoyle runner.
The Curragh should offer a cleaner read on his true standing over a mile and a half, while Christmas Day must prove his Epsom authority against stablemates and fresh opposition away from the unique demands of Derby day. For punters and form students, Moore’s call is the key signal before the final market forms around the race.
See Andy Newton’s Irish Derby tips and 1-2-3 best bets here.
