Saxon Warrior in good order ahead of Irish Derby

CLASSIC hero Saxon Warrior is in good shape ahead of his run in the Irish Derby on Saturday.

The 2000 Guineas winner lost his unbeaten record in the Derby at Epsom but will attempt to put the record straight at the Curragh.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt had won his first four career starts, including two wins at Group 1 level, before finishing fourth in the Derby as the 4-5 favourite.

His trainer, who has won the Irish Derby on 12 occasions, said the colt would appreciate the return to a more conventional track.

The son of Deep Impact struggled to cope with the slopes of Epsom earlier this month.

O'Brien said: "He seems good and Donnacha (O'Brien) rode him in his work on Saturday.

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"It is so far so good and the plan is to go for the Irish Derby and we are looking forward to that.

"He ran a great race at Epsom. He was a little bit at sea (on the track).

"He was a little bit babyish in his mind and found the whole experience different.

"Ryan (Moore) looked after him, which was the right thing to do and he came out the race very well, which the main thing."

The colt is currently the 8-13 favourite for the Irish Derby, and O'Brien believes the experience of Derby day at Epsom will stand him in good stead going forward.

He added: "We think he will have grown up and learnt a lot for that experience.

"I think the track at the Curragh will be better for him.

"I think Epsom would be fine for him if he was to go back there again, he was just a little bit at sea and was still a bit of baby last time.