The Richard Hannon-trained Bunyola Bay is set to join the British raiders for next weekends Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh.
The colt, owned by Michael Geoghegan has won both his starts this season and has already been successful across the Irish Sea.
Bunyola Bay followed up a win over seven furlongs at Doncaster in April by landing the £200,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Gowran Classic over just short of 10 furlongs at the start of the month (replay below), and Hannon has confirmed a return to the ferry is on the cards for a shot at Ireland’s premier Classic.
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Discover Sporting Life Plus BenefitsHannon said: “He’s a very nice horse, and travelled well that day from a nice draw.
"He’s upwardly mobile and gets the trip. He gets free entry because of the Gowran success. The Irish Derby is very attractive and that is his target."
The extent of the opposition, and Aidan O'Brien's plans to win the race for an incredible 18th time should become clearer on Tuesday when forfeits are confirmed and any supplementary entries are made.
It is understood that James J Braddock, third in the Betfred Derby at Epsom earlier this month, is another who is on course for the race.
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