MARCH ON FREDDIE SET FOR DERBY CHALLENGE

Ian Fortune

There will be an English challenge for this year’s Boylesports Irish Derby with the wonderful news that the hugely talented March On Freddie is set to take his chance in the upcoming classic.

His owner George Watson confirmed the news yesterday evening, although one suspects he and the dog’s trainer Dave Mullins have been hatching the plan for a couple of weeks.

The brilliant son of Dorotas Wildcat kicked off his career at Clonmel in early February, winning in a superb 28.44. Ater a couple more starts around Limerick, he was sold across the pond and has quickly established himself as one of the fastest and most exciting dogs seen in the UK in recent years.

He recently ran away with the JenningsBet Puppy Classic at Nottingham and is now clear favourite for next year’s English Derby. Remarkably, his litter brother Bockos Diamond is joint favourite with sponsors Boylesports for the Irish equivalent.  

Said Watson of the decision to come to Shelbourne Park with their star, “He’s dipping inside track records wherever he goes. If you don’t travel with a dog like him, you would never go with anything.”

Both Mullins and Watson must be commended for their decision which comes as a real bonus to the blue riband.

Blessed with brilliant early speed, massive back straight pace and the stamina to see out the 550yd trip, March On Freddie looks tailor-made for Shelbourne and will no doubt be installed as one of the outright favourites.

Only last week, Damien Lonergan of Boylesports reported one decent bet was struck on Freddie for Derby glory. It was clearly inspired money.  

Recent evidence would also suggest March On Freddie is only getting better. He had a solo spin at Central Park on Saturday and absolutely flew, going over four lengths faster than the track record with a sizzling 28.54 return.

Most were expecting March On Freddie to be aimed at the Kent Derby but that would have ruled him out of Shelbourne. Instead, he is set to line out in a two-run competition at Hove which commences on Thursday night.

If all goes well in that stake, it’s all systems go for a crack at the Boylesports Derby. The mere presence of March On Freddie means that this year’s UK challenge is the strongest for many years. Let’s hope others will follow suit.