Mark Johnston has supplemented Royal Ascot winner Monterosso to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh this weekend.
Monterosso, who won a handicap off 94 just three weeks ago, came home two-and-a-quarter lengths clear of the field in the King Edward VII Stakes at the royal meeting last week.
And Johnston has taken the expensive decision to add the fast-improving colt to the Irish Derby field – at a cost of €150,000.
Aidan O’Brien has won the race for the last four years with Dylan Thomas, Soldier of Fortune, Frozen Fire and Fame And Glory.
He holds five of the eleven entries and will look to one of beaten Epsom Derby favourite Jan Vermeer, Dante winner Cape Blanco, Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial victor Midas Touch, Bright Horizon or At First Sight to extend that run on Sunday.
There are two from the Jim Bolger yard, Ballysax Stakes winner Puncher Clynch and Carraiglawn, while other entries include Saeed bin Suroor’s Chabal, winner of the Bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown in April.
Jan Vermeer has been installed as 11/4 favourite with Paddy Power, with Monterosso next best on 4/1 and O’Brien’s supposed second and third strings Cape Blanco and Midas Touch next best at 9/2 and 7/1 respectively.
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