Irish 2000 Guineas Day, the first Irish classic of the season, is upon us and what a race we’ve got in store!
But, before we get into that, there are two selections that have caught my eye in the build up to the Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh.
Curragh 14:45 – Greenlands Stakes – Irish 2000 Guineas Day
I look at this race and can’t get over the price of my selection A CASE OF YOU (around 5/2).
A winner of the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp last season on Arc Day and has only gone and bagged himself another Group 1 in Meydan, beating Happy Romance, Man Of Promise and Naval Crown this March. To me he comes in here with by and far the best form in the race.
Granted, he must give weight away to all of his rivals, but he also has the ground coming in his favour.
His best form has been with cut in the ground, but his class did show when winning on good ground at Meydan.
It feels like he has been around forever, but with only 14 career starts to his name, this 4yo son of Hot Streak is only improving with age, and arguments can be made that he is now the best sprinter in Europe.
It will take a massive performance to beat him today.
Curragh 15:55 – Listed 1m4f Stakes – Irish 2000 Guineas Day
This is a deep race on paper and the value lies with the Henry de Bromhead-trained JASON THE MILITANT, currently found at 6/1.
A good performer over hurdles but comes here with a very unexposed profile. This is despite a Grade 3 and a Listed win to his name.
Currently 2/2 on the flat with wins coming on his preferred soft and heavy ground. Has not been seen since his that Listed triumph at Naas back in November where he had now Group 3 Hollywoodbets Alleged Stakes winner and Group 2 Mooresbridge Stakes winner Layfayette 3 ¾l behind him on the day.
The absence would not be a concern as Henry de Bromhead has, in recent weeks, sent out Cottie and Coole Arcade to win first time up this season over jumps.
That form looks good right now and improvement is to come on the flat. I can see him putting it up to current favourite Wordsworth.
Curragh 15:20 – Irish 2000 Guineas | 1m Group 1
Realistically this revolves around Native Trail.
His second in the English 2000 Guineas, behind stablemate Coroebus, was his first taste of defeat in his career and if all is well, he should take a lot of beating. But, do we really want to back a 4/11 shot?
So, as much as some might not like it, BUCKAROO at 9/2 seems an each way bet to nothing.
He started the season with a Short Head 2nd to Derby hopeful Piz Badile at Leopardstown where he showed a rapid turn of foot before being outstayed by the winner.
He was then dropped to 1m for his next start over C/D where he bolted up and won how he liked.
He is a big strong colt who has any amount of improvement in him and if Native Trail fails to fire then Buckaroo will be the one picking up the pieces.
Bet on Horse Racing at www.hollywoodbets.co.uk or www.hollywoodbets.ie
*Prices correct at the time of writing. Irish 2000 Guineas Preview by Andrew Halligan
