With all football cancelled, no rugby on the screens and people everywhere up corona creek without a paddle, horse racing has once again come to the rescue!
Irish action from Naas goes full steam ahead today, and it’s definitely worth switching over from Tipping Point as the classy Sir Dragonet comes to town.
Each year, there are three big racing events – over jumps, it’s the Grand National and Gold Cup, and on the Flat it’s the Derby.
And Flat racing returns to Ireland today as their new season gets underway – with the horse who finished fifth in last year’s Derby a hot favourite to get the job done against lesser opposition.
Sir Dragonet might not be the Lionel Messi of racing, but he’s not far off – think Jadon Sancho – and this is his chance to show the racing world what he can do.
The Devoy Stakes is a Listed race – three rungs off the top-level ‘Group 1’ – and gives him the perfect foundation to kick-start his campaign.
His trainer Aidan O’Brien – think Sir Alex Ferguson – will have him primed to the minute and won’t be too afraid of his opposition – though the once-raced Brogue looks a worth adversary.
However, it could just be too much for Brogue as he takes on a proper class act – so why not head over to Sun Racing if you’re having a bet today and take the price on offer about Sir Dragonet.
It will be a race to savour – as will the Group 3 Park Express Stakes at 4.30.
Group 3 races are one level up from Listed class, and in this case we have a field full of exciting three-year-olds who will have their sights on more valuable prizes later in the year.
Even So is a strong favourite and if she wins expect her to go near the top of the betting for the 1,000 Guineas – a race with almost as much prestige as the Derby itself.
As well as the two big races, there are five other contests to get your teeth into – and with there being no other sport on the TV at all, why not get involved?!
