ANTEPOST ANGLE - IRISH 2,000 GUINEAS

History:

The Irish 2000 Guineas is one of the premier Group 1 flat horse races held annually at the Curragh in County Kildare, Ireland. This prestigious race is part of the European Triple Crown series, alongside the 2000 Guineas in the UK and the Prix du Jockey Club in France. Open to three-year-old colts and geldings, the race takes place each May and is contested over a distance of one mile (1,609 meters). The event is known for attracting some of the best three-year-old thoroughbreds from around the world, many of which go on to compete in other top-tier races later in the season.

First run in 1921, the Irish 2000 Guineas has a long history and has become an essential fixture in the international racing calendar. The race was established to provide an Irish counterpart to the English 2000 Guineas, which takes place at Newmarket, and over the years, it has been the stage for numerous notable performances by both trainers and horses. The race serves as a key stepping stone for colts aiming to build a successful career, offering a significant purse and valuable Group 1 status.

Noteworthy horses who have triumphed in the Irish 2000 Guineas include champions such as Sea The Stars, Rock of Gibraltar, and Galileo, all of whom went on to become household names in the racing world. The race is also a vital part of the breeding industry, as a victory in the Irish 2000 Guineas can dramatically increase a horse’s stud value. Its role in shaping the breeding landscape ensures that the race garners attention not just for its competition, but also for its long-term implications on the bloodstock industry.

In terms of the race’s atmosphere, the Irish 2000 Guineas is a major event for fans of horse racing, offering a blend of top-class racing action and a lively festival environment. Held at the Curragh, which is the heart of Irish flat racing, the event attracts thousands of spectators. The Irish 2000 Guineas is often seen as a showcase of the nation’s rich racing culture, with participants from across Europe and beyond taking part in one of Ireland’s most significant sporting occasions.

Trends:

Looking at the trends associated with the race, the race is for 3yo's only, betting price 6 of the last 12 winners were favourites, 9/12 winners were in the top 3 in the betting, regarding the stall draw, 8 of the last 12 winners came from stall 3 or lower. Last Run - 6/12 winners won on their last run before the Irish 2,000 Guineas, 10/12 winners had their last run within the last 26 days.

5/12 winners ran in the 2,000 Guineas Stakes (Newmarket) on their last run, 2 of the 5 won, 3 placed 3/12 winners ran in the Tetrarch Stakes (Curragh) on their last run, 2 of the 3 won, 0 placed.

Previous Course Form - 9/12 winners had at least 1 previous run at the Curragh, 8/12 winners had at least 1 previous win at the Curragh. Previous Distance Form - 9/12 winners had at least 1 previous run over 8 furlongs, 6/12 winners had at least 1 previous win over 8 furlongs.

Previous Flat Form - 12/12 winners had at least 4 previous flat runs, 8/12 winners had at least 5 previous flat runs, 11/12 winners had at least 2 previous flat wins.

Rating - 9/12 winners had a rating of 110 or higher. Group Wins - 9/12 winners had at least 1 win in a group 1-3 race.

Season Form - 10/12 winners had at least 1 run that season, 7/12 winners had at least 1 win that season.

Contenders:

A week away from the Irish Classic gives punters a choice of contenders that are either looking to atone for previous disappointment, supplemented and likely aiming at other targets.

Field Of Gold: Beginning with Field of Gold, Gosdens colt was the talking point from the English 2000 Guineas whereupon the Rowley Mile earlier this month Kieron Shoemark was subjected to a modern day Greville Starkey fall out after his late delivery of the Kingman colt failing to catch RULING COURT as they emerged from the dip.

A case of first run and the jockey was candid afterwards. Whoever Gosden employs to pilot the horse next week will I believe be closer to the pace in order not to be caught again. The English 2000 Guineas winner is aimed at the Epsom Derby by Godolphin, thus I feel that this race will see absence of a few contenders at the head of the market.

Henri Matisse: This precludes Henri Matisse, who is aimed at Royal Ascot and the St James Palace Stakes. The Wootton Bassett colt has excelled from the Breeders Cup Turf victory at Del Mar last year to the thrilling French 2000 Guineas victory this month. To win both the English and Irish Guineas in the same month is a tough task, I witnessed in 2009 Mastercraftsman redeeming his fifth place at Newmarket with victory at the Curragh.

Twain:

Twain has been supplemented by Coolmore his last run was in late November at Saint Cloud and those backers of O’Brien colts in classics know it can be extreme performances either way.

In conclusion I firmly believe that Field Of Gold will redeem his performance at Newmarket and land this years renewal. A short price favourite but a quality colt who was beaten by timing at Newmarket and not necessarily the difference of the winner. The each way value I think lays with Officer. The Dubawi colt won at course and distance ten days ago and is available at a tidy price with bookmakers.

Selections:

FIELD OF GOLD (WIN) - Current Best Odds: 4/5

OFFICER (E/W) - Current Best Odds: 6/1 written by John Arnold