Green Impact gunning for Irish Derby following Glencairn glory

All roads lead to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby for Green following his victory at Leopardstown last week.

Jessica Harrington’s son of sire-of-the-moment Wootton Bassett returned to winning ways in the Glencairn Stakes having finished sixth in the 2000 Guineas.

He made all the running that day but with Epsom hero Lambourn more than likely to adopt those tactics at the Curragh, Green Impact’s connections are more than happy to take a lead.

“After Thursday we were just hoping there would be some pace in the Irish Derby but now it looks like he is going to have a lead,” said Jamie McCalmont, racing manager to owner Marc Chan.

“Green Impact will improve for that race. Had he been 100 per cent then he would have been in the French Derby four days before.

“He just hadn’t had the ideal preparation since Newmarket to go and run in France, I’d say he was around 85 per cent ready.

“It looks a good Guineas this year and Green Impact lost a shoe and didn’t handle the dip.

“We’d liked to have gone to France but it was smart not to go as he’d had a problem with a muscle.

“He was only getting 5lb instead of 10lb off the older horses so that was a fair effort I thought.”

Chan also part-owns the Ralph Beckett-trained Stanhope Gardens, who finished fifth at Epsom, but no decision has been taken as yet on his next target.

“I think it was a good run. It’s too soon to say where he might go next,” said McCalmont.

“We’ll discuss it in a week or so. Wherever he does go next he can only improve given his preparation.”

Chan’s stalwart proved the fire still burns bright when narrowly beaten on his return to action at Haydock.

“We knew he’d come to hand a lot earlier this year,” said McCalmont.

“At the end of last year we were wondering if was still what he was but if you give him time between his races he definitely is. When he’s fresh he’s a very good horse.

“The three-year-olds this year look very good so I’d say the July Cup this year might be a long shot so the races at Goodwood (Lennox) and York (City of York) are more than likely where he’ll turn up, ground permitting.”