Lazy Griff all set for a third crack at Lambourn in Irish Derby

Charlie Johnston is “more than happy” to let Lazy Griff take on Lambourn for a third time in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on Sunday.

A Group Three winner in France at the end of his juvenile campaign, Lazy Griff made his return to action in last month’s Chester Vase and emerged with plenty of credit in finishing second to Lambourn, earning him a shot at the Betfred Derby at Epsom.

Johnston’s charge was a widely unconsidered 50-1 shot for the premier Classic, but belied those odds with an excellent effort to again finish best of the rest behind Aidan O’Brien’s front-running colt and round three will take place at the Curragh this weekend.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to come to, perhaps the Grand Prix de Paris might have been an easier challenge and we certainly wouldn’t have been taking on a horse that’s already beaten us twice, but the lure of the Irish Derby was too strong to turn down,” said Johnston.

“We’re under no illusions about the task in hand because it is two-nil to Lambourn, but having said that we weren’t afraid to have another go at him.

“It’ll be interesting to see how the race pans out. You can’t take anything away from Lambourn and what he did at Epsom at all, but at the same time he was given a very good front-running ride and we all maybe gave him a little bit too much rope on the front end.

“Sunday is going to be a different day on a different track with a different field and we’re more than happy to have another go and see what we can do to reverse the form.”

Christophe Soumillon was on board Lazy Griff at Epsom, but as the French-based Belgian is required to partner Goliath in Sunday’s Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, Johnston has turned to William Buick to ride his stable star in his bid for Classic glory.

He added: “Obviously it’s a shame as Goliath and Lazy Griff are probably Christophe’s two marquee horses for the season at the moment and it’s sod’s law that they’re both running on the same day.

“It’s a shame for him, but we’re able to bring William in who is obviously top-class but will also be very confident at the moment after a great Royal Ascot, it’s a great replacement to call upon.”

Lazy Griff and Lambourn feature in a 10-strong field following Friday’s declaration stage, with Aidan O’Brien also saddling Lingfield Derby Trial winner Puppet Master and Gallinule Stakes scorer Thrice, as well as Serious Contender and Shackleton, both of whom performed well in defeat at Royal Ascot.

His son Joseph runs Derby third Tennessee Stud, while Green Impact is a fascinating contender for Jessica Harrington on what will be his first attempt at a mile and a half.

Ralph Beckett’s Dante winner Pride Of Arras bids to bounce back from Epsom disappointment, with his stablemate Sir Dinadan completing the line-up.