Hazapour enters Derby picture after Leopardstown win

DERMOT WELD dented Aidan O’Brien’s Derby domination in the Derrinstown Stud Trial.

Hazapour – a nephew of Weld’s Epsom hero Harzand – saw off Ballydoyle pair Delano Roosevelt and The Pentagon in the Leopardstown thriller.

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The 16-1 shot might have surprised punters with his one-length victory on his first start of the season but his trainer was far from shocked.

He said: “He worked beautifully the other morning. He’s a horse I really like – he’s a balanced colt.

“I thought he did it very nicely when he won his maiden at Galway. The horse he beat easily was Aidan’s Hunting Horn, who’s been running well at a good level.

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 “He’s a nephew of Harzand so therefore there’s only one logical way to go with him – see if he can emulate his uncle. That’s the plan.

“Harzand was such a brave horse – one of the bravest horses I’ve trained.

“This horse has very similar characteristics. He’s very tough, a very genuine colt.

“He’s developed over the winter and he’s a stayer with speed.”

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Hazapour – cut to 14-1 for the Derby by Sun Bets – will have to prove his stamina over an extra two furlongs at Epsom.

Weld – winning his ninth Derrinstown Derby Trial - was cautiously optimistic about the longer trip.

He said: “The extra distance of the Derby is a concern, within reason.

“He was getting home well there and he’s got a lovely way of galloping. He gallops low to the ground and those sort of horses tend to stay.

“He settles nicely and relaxes. There’s a whole lot of advantages to him and he’s got a nice bit of pace.

“Saxon Warrior is an exceptionally good colt – he’s the horse to beat.”

With the premier Classic taking shape Hazapour might just be the horse to test O’Brien’s impressive 2000 Guineas winner the most.