Ballydoyle dominates Irish 2000 Guineas
Aidan O’Brien will saddle almost half of the field in Saturday’s Boylesports Irish 2000 Guineas after a total of nine were declared today for the Curragh Classic.
The Ballydoyle handler will send out four runners with his principle hope appearing to be Oratorio, who will be ridden by Kieren Fallon.
The Danehill colt will be trying to capture the mile event after finishing fourth to stablemate Footstepsinthesand in the English 2000 Guineas at Newmarket last month.
O’Brien’s strong hand is completed by last week’s Dante fifth Albert Hall, Showdance, who hasn’t been seen since landing a Cork maiden last June, and Hills Of Aran.
The Irish defence will see Craven Stakes winner Democratic Deficit take his chance after finishing sixth at Newmarket, while Dermot Weld drops Ballysax Stakes winner Bobs Pride back in distance after he disappointed in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial.
Rebel Rebel, who sprung a 100-1 shock when chasing home Footstepsinthesand in the UltimatePoker.com 2000 Guineas, is one of three British runners while Godolphin’s highly-touted Dubawi will also take his chance.
The son of Dubai Millennium was sent off the 11-8 favourite for the Newmarket Classic but hung badly left in the closing stages, eventually coming home in fifth, having landed the Group One National Stakes as a juvenile.
Mick Channon’s Capable Guest – 14th at Newmarket – completes the field.
