Joseph O'Brien heads into Sunday's G1 Irish Derby (2400m) at the Curragh with mounting momentum and a colt he believes is better suited to the demands of Ireland's premier Classic. James J Braddock will attempt to crown a remarkable month for the trainer, whose recent achievements include becoming the fastest trainer in Irish racing history to saddle 1,500 winners and collecting five major victories at Royal Ascot.

Dylan Browne McMonagle reunites with James J Braddock after the colt produced one of the strongest late finishes in the G1 Derby Stakes (2405m) at Epsom, where he finished third behind fellow Irish Derby contender Christmas Day. Racing from off the pace in deteriorating ground, James J Braddock stayed on powerfully in a contest that developed into a severe stamina test, leaving connections optimistic that different conditions at the Curragh could produce a different outcome.

O'Brien believes both the track and the expected surface will play to his colt's strengths.

"The Curragh is a very different track to Epsom and we think James J Braddock will be better suited to it. It looks as though it will be quicker ground also and he is proven on that," O'Brien said.

The colt has already exceeded expectations this season after winning the G3 Derby Trial Stakes (2000m) at Leopardstown before his Epsom performance. Part-owner Kevin Blake revealed the horse was named after 1935 World Heavyweight Champion James J Braddock and reflected on the journey so far.

"Being involved with this colt has been a surreal experience and he has exceeded all our expectations so far," Blake said.

Aidan O'Brien Holds A Powerful Hand

Four of the eight runners are trained by Aidan O'Brien, who is chasing an 18th victory in the Irish Derby. Chief among them is Benvenuto Cellini, who is expected to start favourite despite an unfortunate Derby at Epsom.

The son of Frankel had looked every inch a Classic contender when producing an impressive display to win the G3 Chester Vase Stakes (2457m), but his Derby hopes unravelled after an incident in the starting stalls, with his participation subsequently declared void.

Ryan Moore has again elected to partner Benvenuto Cellini ahead of stablemates Christmas Day, Pierre Bonnard and Action, a booking that signals confidence the colt can leave his Epsom disappointment behind.

Raaheeb Brings An Unbeaten Record

While the principal O'Brien contenders all arrive via Epsom, Raaheeb follows a different path. The Owen Burrows-trained son of Sea The Stars bypassed the Derby before also missing Royal Ascot because of fast ground.

Unbeaten in two starts, Raaheeb was last seen 65 days ago when comfortably landing the G3 Classic Trial (1990m) at Sandown Park. His pedigree further enhances his appeal, being a brother to European stars Baaeed and Hukum.

Burrows said the colt has required patience, particularly in his mental development, but believes the Curragh will suit.

"Yes, he has a pedigree to die for. He has needed time to mature - especially mentally - and we have given him plenty of that. He wouldn't blow you away with his work at home but the jockeys who ride him all come back and say there is plenty under the bonnet. The Curragh is a stayers' track and that will suit him, but we just don't want it to ride too fast so hopefully the rain that is predicted will come."

Sunday's Irish Derby shapes as another compelling chapter in a Classic season where proven Group performers meet lightly raced talent, with conditions at the Curragh likely to play a decisive role in the outcome.