Zawraq and Pat Smullen © Photo Healy Racing
Zawraq put himself forward as a serious classic contender when running out an impressive winner of the 2,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown this afternoon.
Pat Smullen tracked the leaders on the 11/8 favourite before asking his mount to quicken into the lead a furlong and a half from home.
Dermot Weld 's charge powered clear before the furlong pole and galloped on strongly to post a three-and-a-half length victory over Endless Drama
It was two from two for the Sheikh Hamdan-owned colt, who had landed his maiden at the course last October.
"It was an excellent performance by a horse coming back," said Weld.
"My immediate comment would be that I'll discuss things with Sheikh Hamdan as he has a lot of horses in England entered in the Guineas.
"I've always considered him a horse capable of making into a Derby horse and the decision will be whether we go for the English Guineas or wait for the Derrinstown Derby Trial.
"Better ground will be no problem to him. He's very very adaptable and has a beautiful temperament. He's a straight-forward colt and there are no complications in any way.
"Wherever he goes he's a very very high class horse and will always represent us very well.
"He has a lovely pedigree and is related to Bustino and Height Of Fashion. There is a lot of stamina in his pedigree.
"He was reasonably fit today. If you have a horse that's not fit in heavy ground it'll take too much out of them. But he will come on from that.
"Hopefully he's a stayer with speed and I think he has a lot of ability."
Smullen added:- "I was very impressed. We thought a lot of him prior to the race and all last year. His work has always been very good and what I love about him is the way he relaxes."
Boylesports and Betfair both made the winner 10/1 from 20/1 for the Guineas while Paddy Power are 12/1 from 25/1.
He is 12/1 for the Derby with Boylesports (from 25/1) and Paddy Power (from 20/1) while Betfair go 10/1 from 20/1.
