Ballysax Stakes preview The P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes has proved a path to Derby glory at Epsom in the past with the likes of Galileo, High Chaparral and Harzand all on the roll of honour and Delacroix heads a field of seven runners going to post this afternoon. The Aidan O’Brien-trained son of Dubawi landed the Group 3 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket last October and later that month was just denied by Hotazhell in the Group 1 William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster. “He’s very well, he was at the Curragh (for a racecourse gallop) and we’re starting him in a Derby trial. He’s come to hand fairly quick, but he will improve a lot for it,” said the Ballydoyle trainer. “He’s a nice horse but we thought there was a chance to get two runs into him before the Derby. Physically he’s done very well but he will improve plenty. “He’s been green in his races and as the race at Doncaster went on, he got better. He will stay well.” O’Brien also saddles Puppet Master and Lambourn, while son Joseph is represented by the once-raced Curragh maiden winner Kibris and the more experienced filly Wemightakedlongway. “Wemightakedlongway ran well against the colts when third at the track in October and we're hoping for a nice run. It'd be great if she could get some more black type,” said the Piltown trainer. “Kibris is a maiden winner who needs some experience, but he's matured well over the winter and we're looking forward to getting him started.” Adrain Murray won the ‘Ballysax’ in impressive fashion 12 months ago with Dallas Star and is doubly represented in the €60,000 Group 3 this time. “Tiberius Thunder is a good horse and will run a big race. He’ll have no bother getting ten furlongs. “Spicy Margarita is in great order and will run a right good race,” said Murray.
