PADDY CUT FOR DERBY GLORY

Ian Fortune

The dust had scarcely settled on Fast Fit Paddy’s wonderful Shelbourne Open 600 success on Saturday when an email landed confirming the powerful brindle had been cut for Irish Derby glory with sponsors Boylesports.

A 50-1 chance ahead of Saturday’s decider, he has been cut to 33-1.

Given his current form and profile, it’s no surprise to see his odds trimmed. There will certainly be worse 33-1 chances for the blue riband. Incidentally, Fast Fit Paddy has yet to be introduced to the English Derby market but trainer Declan McDonagh did confirm on Saturday night that a raid on Towcester was very likely.

Another mover in the Boylesports Irish Derby market was Part Blake. A 33-1 chance ahead of Saturday, he is now 20-1. Recent Bresbet Easter Cup champ Susie Sapphire remains the favourite to defend her Derby crown at 14-1.