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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Granddukeoftuscany's change of tactics

Thu 26th Jun 2014, 20:48

Granddukeoftuscany approaches the line in TipperaryGranddukeoftuscany approaches the line in Tipperary
© Photo Healy Racing

Granddukeoftuscany had a facile success in the extended mile and a half maiden in Tipperary as he galloped his rivals into the rain-sodden turf.

On his debut run at the Curragh he was held up in rear and stayed on into sixth, but today the 13/8 favourite was soon sent into the lead by Joseph O’Brien. The pair went clear approaching the straight and tanked towards the line in putting 19 lengths on runner-up Gambling Girl (20/1).

This was a turnaround in form with Wrap Star who was third in that race in the Curragh, but who could only manage fourth today.

Aidan O’Brien said: “He ran very well the first day and he kept galloping. He has taken time to mature and he’s been there a long time. He’s from a good mature staying pedigree.

“We’ll train him for the Great Voltigeur and he’ll get a rest after this. The soft ground didn’t seem to stop him there.”

And on Irish Derby favourite Australia who runs in the big race at the Curragh on Saturday O’Brien added: “We all know he wants fast ground. There’s a lot of rain forecast for Saturday morning. A lot can change. We want to run him, but he doesn’t want soft ground.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.