Dunlop ready to step up in class with Skukuza

Ed Dunlop is excited to see what the future holds for Skukuza following a second successful raid on the Curragh.

Having won a valuable handicap on Guineas weekend, he returned on Sunday to win a Listed race even more impressively on the Irish Derby undercard.

His victories have come over a mile, but Dunlop would have no qualms stepping him up in trip, with his liking for a bit of ease in the ground meaning he could be doing more travelling.

“We always thought he was a decent horse, he obviously ran very well in the Britannia last year (second) but then had a hiccup and didn’t run again,” said Dunlop.

“He’s a horse that we need to protect from fast ground after that, which is why he’s been to Ireland twice. He’s improving and he’s becoming exciting.

“It was quick ground again at Ascot so we missed the Hunt Cup. It didn’t do him any good the year before, so we thought it wouldn’t do him any good this year.

“Obviously the Bunbury Cup will come too quick and he will have penalties for the others (International at Ascot and Golden Mile at Goodwood), so I’d have though handicaps are out now. I hope we’ll be looking at Group races now.

“There are various options but it’s too early to decide where next, we wouldn’t be scared of going up in trip. Ryan (Moore) was keen to go forward from his draw and that is the first time he’s made the running which was encouraging. He will go further in time, whether we need to yet, we’ll see. He’ll have options in France and England but we’ll be dictated by ground.

“He’s still a colt, he’s a homebred for Mrs (Gaynor) Rupert so it’s very exciting for her. It was a fantastic day.”