Strong line-up expected for Irish Guineas

A strong Irish trained team is set to line up in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas and Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas taking place at the Curragh on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th May.

John Oxx has indicated that both Born To Sea and Takar are intended runners in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas, he said “both colts are in great form and will take their chance in the race.”

Dewhurst Stakes winner Parrish Hall is likely to represent Jim Bolger who currently has five colts in the race, “We won’t make our mind up for a couple of days and at this stage it is all ground dependent,” he said. Aidan O’Brien, who won both the 1000 and 2000 Guineas last year, is likely to have a few runners in the 2000 Guineas and mentioned Wrote, Power and Daddy Longlegs as probably runners, while he nominated Homecoming Queen as a definite runner in the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas and last year’s top 2 year old Maybe as a possible contender.

Dermot Weld is unlikely to have a runner in the 2000 Guineas, but will be represented in the 1000 Guineas by Yellow Rosebud. “She has come out of her recent Leopardstown race in great shape and is all set to run in the 1000 Guineas.”

Kevin Prendergast will be represented by La Colina in the 1000 Guineas. “La Colina ran a blinder to finish fifth in the Newmarket 1000 Guineas and she has come out of that race in great shape,” he said.

“The Fugue was just three quarters of a length ahead of our filly that day and she really gave the form a big boost when romping to victory at York this week.”

David Wachman indicated that Aloof is a possible for the 1000 Guineas.

“It is all ground dependent with Aloof and we will wait until nearer the time,” he said. “Fire Lily won’t run in the 1000 Guineas and will instead have a crack at the Weatherbys Ireland Greenland Stakes.”

Ger Lyons confirmed that he will wait until next week to decide on Lightening Pearl’s participation in the 1000 Guineas.

Aidan O’Brien expects to be represented by So You Think, Windsor Palace and Robin Hood in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, while the Group 1 contest is also likely to attract other notable performers Famous Name and Bible Belt.