Weld has concerns over Harzand in Derby
Dermot Weld admits he would have preferred another week to prepare Harzand for the Irish Derby.
The Aga Khan-owned colt finally gave the legendary trainer a first win in the Epsom Derby earlier this month despite some drama on the morning of the race.
Harzand pulled off a shoe and also managed to prick the sole of his foot with a nail.
He made the line-up but the effort took its toll and Weld just hopes the Curragh Classic is not coming too soon.
“I’m satisfied with the horse. He had a tough race at Epsom and he’s just taken time to come out of the race, as you can understand,” Weld told At The Races.
“He’s a very courageous horse and it just left its mark on him for the first week, but we’re more happy with him now.
“My concern now is that he’s over all that but he had to go on antibiotics for a few days to prevent infection and you never know what they take out of you at the time.
“He’s moving very nicely and provided we’re satisfied with him on Thursday at declaration time, he’ll run on Saturday.
“My only worry is that he had a tough race and it took a lot out of him. It is definitely coming a week sooner than I’d like.
“The final decision will be made on the day of the race.”
Harzand is one of 11 left at the latest declaration stage along with stablemate Ebediyin.
As he was at Epsom where he finished a creditable sixth, the Ed Dunlop-trained Red Verdon was paid up as a late entry.
Aidan O’Brien has six remaining options including Epsom second and third US Army Ranger and Idaho.