Preview curragh 22nd May

Aidan O'Brien goes for a third straight Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas success at the Curragh and the name Steinbeck will be on the lips of many punters.

Considered a top prospect from day one at Ballydoyle, the son of Footstepsinthesand lived up to the hype first time out last May and overcame a lengthy lay-off to post a highly creditable fourth in the Dewhurst on his only subsequent start.

Certain to be primed for his first outing this term, Johnny Murtagh's mount can reverse Dewhurst form with Fencing Master and Xtension, who franked the form with solid efforts in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Newmarket third Canford Cliffs may end up competing in the top sprints later on in the season but there is no doubting his class and Richard Hannon could not hold the Tagula colt in higher regard.

Noll Wallop looked smart when scoring on his seasonal bow, a comment that also applies to John Oxx's Keredari, but both have much more on their plate.

O'Brien also boasts strong claims in the Group Three Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes, with Air Chief Marshal and apparent first-string Alfred Nobel gunning for glory.

The latter has a bit to prove at present, however, and will do well to get the better of the progressive Ger Lyons-trained Rain Delayed.

Shamwari Lodge is another improver and she steps up in class for the TRI Equestrian Stakes.

Hannon's filly has looked good in Listed races on home soil this spring but could be vulnerable to the likes of Choose Me and Indiana Gal, who have shown they can mix it at Group level.

The opening Axminster Curragh Carpets Handicap (1.40) looks a fair chance for Art Broker, while Jessica Harrington's unbeaten Moment Of Weakness tamed the Ascot-bound Meow at Dundalk earlier in the month and bids to enhance his record in the T P Waters EBF Marble Hill Stakes.