Aidan O’Brien has so dominated the landscape of flat racing that his drought in the 2000 and 1000 Guineas is distinct. Ballydoyle are without a win in a Newmarket Classic since 2021.
This would not represent a trial for most yards. The 1000 Guineas has returned to O’Brien’s possession on six occasions. When Mother Earth won the race in 2021, it was a third victory in a row for an O’Brien-trained runner.
Since then, in both the colts and fillies’ classics, the dry spell has endured. Favourites have fallen by the wayside in both contests,which is why O’Brien’s entry in the 1000 Guineas in particular is noteworthy this time around.
After confirmations were made on Monday, O’Brien has three of the leading four in the betting for Sunday’s race. Diamond Necklace may well wait for France, but Precise and True Love both appear on course for Newmarket as O’Brien confirmed to At The Races.
“That’s what we’re thinking at the moment, without it being written in stone.”
Precise went on a rampaging run to finish the 2025 flat season. Her juvenile career started slowly with defeat on debut. Since then, she is unbeaten, winning the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes, then storming home to win the Fillies’ Mile over the 1000 Guineas course and distance. But for O’Brien’s recent record in the Classic, she may be considered one of the strongest chances in recent renewals.
Evolutionist can add to Burke challenge
Karl Burke’s Venetian Sun is the biggest danger to the Ballydoyle ranks at this stage. She is the second favourite having won her first four starts before finishing third to Precise at the Curragh.
However, stablemate Evolutionist may also join Burke’s squad for the race. She made an impressive return when winning the Prix de la Grotte in France recently.
Paul Curran, racing manager for the owners of Evolutionist, has spoken fondly of their chances too.
“It was a nice trial run in France and she won well, she didn’t do anything wrong and she’s bounced out of the race really well.
“She’s very fit, that run will stand her in good stead for whichever Guineas she will go to and it was the right decision to give her the run there.”
Godolphin won both Guineas races in 2025. Their hopes in the fillies’ race include one apiece form both sides of the English Channel. Charlie Appleby may send the once-raced Abashiri to Newmarket, while Andre Fabre has confirmed My Highness as a potential raider from the continent.