Despite supplementing him for a fee of £30,000, Aidan O’Brien is not guaranteed to run Gstaad in the 2000 Guineas.
Along with stablemate Albert Einstein, Gstaad was erroneously removed from the opening Classic earlier in April. Though O’Brien’s team immediately contacted the Jockey Club, the error was final, ensuring both would have to be supplemented when the time came to confirm runners for the race.
Ballydoyle have taken the decision not to confirm Albert Einstein for the fee. He has been a disappointment this season, meeting with defeat in both starts. However, Gstaad was supplemented. The Breeders’ Cup winner is yet to be seen on a racecourse this term.
Despite making the payment, O’Brien has cautioned punters in terms of his participation. Gstaad’s options remain open, with his trainer going as far to suggest Newmarket may only remain the second choice.
“We’re not sure yet,” O’Brien said of his plans for the 2000 Guineas to the Press Association via Racing TV. “The current thinking was Puerto Rico would go there and Gstaad might go to the French (2000 Guineas), but that’s not 100 per cent sure.
“We’ll see how they are the next couple of days and then decide. It’s very possible the two could go, we’ll see.”
O’Brien has not won the 2000 Guineas since Magna Grecia’s success in 2019. His team for the race may also include outsiders Causeway and Flushing Meadows, who were both confirmed at the five-day stage.
Godolphin seek fourth 2000 Guineas in five years
Since O’Brien last won a 2000 Guineas, the race has been dominated by Charlie Appleby and Godolphin. They have won three of the last four runnings, defending their title last year as Ruling Court emulated Notable Speech by galloping to glory.
Coroebus got the ball rolling in 2022 and 2026 may be yet another blue year for the race. Appleby has confirmed two runners in Dewhurst Stakes third Distant Storm and the unbeaten King’s Trail.
The former is similar to Ruling Court in being an immensely expensive purchase with a tall reputation. Distant Storm has gone off favourite on three of his four starts despite two defeats, but could easily make into a better three-year-old.
King’s Trail, meanwhile, has followed the Notable Speech route. He has raced just twice to date, both on the all-weather, but impressed both times. The son of Sea The Stars may ultimately be bred for further, but will be watched carefully in the betting.
Godolphin’s chances may not begin and end with Appleby either. Avicenna, trained by Roger Varian, finished second in the Craven Stakes behind Oxagon, and is also a potential candidate.