James J Braddock Aims to Close Gap on Derby Rival

Joseph O'Brien anticipates James J Braddock will significantly improve on his Epsom Derby performance when the colt contests the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh this Sunday. James J Braddock finished third at Epsom, five and a quarter lengths behind Christmas Day, despite exhibiting pre-race restlessness. O'Brien expressed confidence in the horse's recovery and believes the Curragh's layout will be more favorable. He suggested that altered track conditions could also present an opportunity for James J Braddock to challenge the Epsom winner more effectively.

While James J Braddock's fiery temperament was evident at Epsom, O'Brien noted that such behavior doesn't always impact performance. He recalled instances where horses performed poorly when unusually calm. The trainer is satisfied with James J Braddock's versatile suitability to different ground conditions and feels the Curragh's demands align better with the horse's capabilities than Epsom's.

Aidan O'Brien previously achieved the Derby double with horses like Galileo and Auguste Rodin. Christmas Day could follow this trend, though stablemate Benvenuto Cellini, a controversial Epsom non-runner, currently leads betting. Other notable contenders include Action, Pierre Bonnard, Causeway, Raaheeb, Bay Of Brilliance, Bunyola Bay, A Boy Named Susie, and Shaihaan.