Hi all,
I have just recovered my composure after not putting up Phoenix of Spain up as a selection in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, despite saying how it had good place claims and was overpriced on his juvenile form. That’s racing for you. I found the third at a big price but neglected the winner in the end.
Well it’s the turn of fillies at the Curragh on Sunday with the latest running of the Irish 1,000 Guineas.
Curragh
2:20 – Early Call – Seemed to have improved for the addition of the first blinkers when 4th of 19 at Navan. The handicapper has dropped the 4-year-old a lb and useful 5lb apprentice Ben Coen has been booked for the ride. Each way claims in a very open race.
Early Call – 16/1 @ Bet365 – each way (paying 5 places ¼ odds)
4:25 – Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas (Group 1) – 1m
Hermosa won the English 1,000 Guineas and deserves to head the betting for the Irish version. In fact, the 11/4 available about the filly looks a bit of value too. Just Wonderful was 6th behind her stablemate at Newmarket. She didn’t seem totally at home on the track, despite being a previous course winner, but once she hit the rising ground, she travelled much better. I wouldn’t be surprised if she got closer to Hermosa today. East was a good third in the French 1,000 Guineas and any rain to ease the ground would be in her favour. At a big price you can’t rule out a big run from Dean Street Doll.
Hermosa – 11/4 @ Paddy Power & William Hill
5:00 – Crotchet, has placed on both her starts since joining Joseph O’Brien. Both those efforts have come with ease in the ground, but she did win on good to firm when trained by Richard Fahey. Innamorare did well as 3-year-old and is just 3lb higher than for her last win at Leopardstown back in October. Came from of the pace to finish 4th of 13 at Cork 16-days ago and looks to be running into form.
Innamorare – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Crotchet – 4/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
5:30 – White Desert is having his first start since being bought out of the Charlie Appleby stable. The 5-year-old wasn’t disgraced when runner-up to Machine Learner at Ascot on his last start. Races off just 1lb higher and if fit enough for his first run for 317-days looks on a competitive mark. Colin Keane whose having his first ride for the trainer looks an interesting jockey booking.
White Desert – 14/1 @ Paddy Power – each way – (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)
Cheers
John