It's the 150^th anniversary of the Dubai Duty Free-sponsored Irish Derby this year and much as Aidan O'Brien would like to extend his tally of victories as a trainer to an incredible dozen in this race, the feat will take some doing. Standing in his way for the feature, due off at 6:30 p.m. local on Saturday, June 27^th, is the in-form master of Clarehaven Stables in England, John Gosden. The British maestro fields Investec Epsom Derby runner-up, Jack Hobbs (by Halling), in the hope that the Godolphin colt will give him his first-ever triumph in the Curragh classic.

At first glance, the idea of opposing O'Brien – who has annexed this rich prize 8 times in the past 9 years, and sends out as many as four runners on this occasion – may seem ridiculous. What's more, no British-trained runner has scored in the Irish Derby since Balanchine went in way back in 1994, also for Godolphin, the European racing arm of Sheikh Mohammed's vast Turf operations (incidentally, the Sheikh had also won it in his own colours in 1989 with Old Vic and 1995 with Winged Love).

But that is poised to change. Jack Hobbs has a fine record (2 wins and 2 seconds from 4 starts, beaten both times by his top-class stablemate Golden Horn), even if there is little value in his current market price of 10 to 8 on. "He worked … with William Buick on him and we were happy with him and the horse seems in good order," said Gosden earlier this week, adding: "we would appreciate a shower or two and something close to good ground but we are pleased with the horse and we'll be heading over, all being well between now and the weekend."

Rider William Buick offered his views: "The Curragh will definitely suit him. I think he'll progress, that was only his fourth run….It all came thick and fast for him before the Derby, so he's entitled to improve both physically and mentally….He's a beautiful horse to ride, you can put him where you want in a race and he goes to sleep."

Aidan O'Brien's quartet is headed by Ryan Moore's choice, Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) runner-up Highland Reel (by Galileo), currently trading at 6 to 1. Barring his flop in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) in early May, the colt has not been out of 1-2 in a five race career. And as punters at Royal Ascot discovered just a few days ago, Moore needs to be watched closely irrespective of the odds. One could well say that here he has only one horse to beat.

Apart from Jack Hobbs, the others on the board at Epsom three weeks ago, third-placed Storm The Stars (by Sea The Stars) and fourth-placed Giovanni Canaletto (by Galileo) are also in the mix. Both are at 8 to 1. Dealing first with the former, it is safe to say that his trainer, William Haggas, does not send runners abroad unless he feels they have a decent chance. In this case Storm The Stars has a good 4-1/2 lengths to make up versus Jack Hobbs and barring misfortune, will find it tough. Pat Cosgrave continues his partnership in the saddle with the well-exposed colt, who will be making his sixth start of 2015 here.

Giovanni Canaletto – the horse, not the 18^th century painter – is an own-brother to Ruler Of The World and will have an additional 2 lengths to cover, making a total of 6-1/2 lengths deficit that he will have to bridge. His handler's son, Joseph O'Brien, has been entrusted with this onerous task which – if successful – would give the rider his third Irish Derby win, following Camelot (2012) and Australia (2014).

Very interesting is how one might describe the move to supplement Investec Epsom Oaks victress Qualify (by Fastnet Rock) into the field. As the winner of that race, she was eligible for supplementation without the payment of a fee and as her owners were keen, she will take her place in the line-up. "Qualify is in good form since Epsom and John and Chantal would like to let her take her chance," said her schooler, Aidan O'Brien.

Fresh from his superb effort in India astride Phoenix Tiger last week, Colm O'Donoghue – who had earlier guided Qualify home at Epsom at 50 to 1 – will be aiming for a most unusual classic hat-trick on what is felt to be O'Brien's third string, judging by her 12 to 1 price. No filly has scored in the Irish Derby since the afore-mentioned Balanchine, 21 years ago.

It's relatively uncommon for an unbeaten runner to be quoted at 20 to 1 but that is the price at which the Aga Khan's 3-for-3 runner Radanpour (by Sea The Stars) is offered. Apart from Qualify, Dermot Weld's ward is the only runner to actually have a victory over 12 furlongs under its belt. The bay colt's success over the trip came in a race at Listed level and he has a "class" mountain to climb if he is to check into the winner's enclosure here.

Often considered to be merely a "work" rider for Ballydoyle, Seamie Heffernan is actually an accomplished jockey in his own right and has an excellent strike rate for his stable this term. He partners the last of the O'Brien quartet, Kilimanjaro (by High Chaparral). Not having been sighted at Epsom, the only grey in the field of 8 is available at 33 to 1. It seems he will probably make the pace and hope for the best.

The line-up is completed by Carbon Dating (by The Carbon Unit), whose obscure sire aligns well with his obscure chance as evidenced by his 150 to 1 quote. The hapless colt is still a maiden from 5 appearances in the current year and has never finished less than 12 lengths behind the winner. Still, if the enormity of his task does not figuratively break his heart, one supposes it's OK for his connections to dream! After all, if you don't run, you can't win, can you?