Kevin Prendergast believes Carlton House is the one to beat ahead of Dunboyne Express s bid for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh today.
The son of Shamardal finished fifth behind Roderic O'Connor in the Irish 2000 Guineas last time out and the trainer is looking forward to seeing how he fares over this longer trip.
"We're hoping he'll get the trip. We don't see any reason why he won't," said Prendergast.
"He ran well enough in the Guineas. He didn't get much room and maybe would have been a length and a half closer but for that, but it was a decent run on fast ground. They've had a bit of rain and good ground would be better for him. He wouldn't mind even more rain as he handles soft well.
"You'd have to respect the Epsom form. I'm not sure which of them will come out on top this time, but you'd have to say Carlton House was a bit unlucky on the day.
"He didn't get the luck in running and he's probably the one we all have to beat. We'd be highly delighted if our horse ran into the first four."
The Dermot Weld-trained Notable Graduate won at Tipperary and Gowran Park before being beaten at odds-on in a Listed race at Leopardstown.
Stan Cosgrove, racing manager for owners Moyglare Stud, expects the son of Galileo to improve on that performance over this longer trip.
He said: "He's in good order and I think he'll run a good race. It's a step up for him but if you're not in, you can't win and I think he's improved since Leopardstown.
"It was also only a mile and three (furlongs) that day and he'll be a better horse over a mile and a half. He'd like a bit of give in the ground. I think he's around 25-1 and I think he's worth backing each-way at that price."
