Murray backing Dallas Star to belie Derby longshot status

‘He’s improving all the time and we’re looking forward to it, we’re hoping for a big run.’

Adrian Murray does not believe Dallas Star is a complete no-hoper in the Betfred Derby despite his big odds.

A 40-1 chance with the sponsors even though he won the Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown by three lengths, Murray feels he is being underestimated.

Part of the reason may be that he was an even bigger price that day at 50-1 on his first run for Murray since leaving Dominic Ffrench Davis, and also possibly because his victory in early April already seems a long time ago.

For Murray, though, who enjoyed Royal Ascot success with 150-1 chance Valiant Force last year, just being involved in the Debry is a dream come true.

“He’s doing very well. The plan after he won the last day was to go straight to Epsom,” he said.

Adrian Murray with Seamie Heffernan after the Ballysax, David Egan will take over at Epsom
Adrian Murray with Seamie Heffernan after the Ballysax, David Egan will take over at Epsom (Brian Lawless/PA)

“We had never planned to take him to another trial and we’ve been very happy with him since. He’s improving all the time and we’re looking forward to it, we’re hoping for a big run.

“We probably weren’t expecting that big a run in the Ballysax but you never know with horses from two to three. Some will disappoint you, while some get you more excited, but he’s improved a lot from two to three.

“We think he’s improved again since the Ballysax. We gave him a racecourse gallop at Naas and we were very happy with him. David Egan will be riding, I would imagine.”

Murray went on: “For me to have a runner in the Derby is unbelievable. I’ve been watching the Derby all my life, so it’s going to be a huge experience.

“I suppose I’d be happy if it rained. He looked very, very good on heavy ground at Leopardstown and I don’t really know much about him on quicker ground, it was quicker at Naas on Monday but if I had the choice, I would prefer cut in the ground.

“I would be expecting that we have an each-way chance, he’s not going there as a no-hoper. We’re very excited about him, he won a recognised trial in good style and he’s come forward from it.”

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