The Irish 2000 Guineas is the first of the Emerald Isle’s Classics for the year. We’ve looked at the nine runners’ chances below, alongside Betfair, who are offering Money Back As Cash Up To £20 for new customers.
Atomic Jones (Ger Lyons, Colin Keane) 25/1
Only won his races at two by small margins, but significant that he still got the job done. Maiden form at the Curragh was decent, but victory over Stone Age and Buckaroo in the Group 2 Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown in September was even better. Notable that both races saw extremely bunched finishes, so difficult to know the true form and was put in his place by Stone Age on return. May be suited by return to 1m though and one of the livelier outsiders with an each-way chance.
Buckaroo (Joseph O’Brien, Shane Crosse) 4/1
Not always the most convincing last season, but has developed well at three. Another who narrowly got the better of Stone Age when he broke his maiden tag at Galway. Unlucky sixth behind Atomic Jones in the Juvenile Stakes when slowly away and denied the clearest run before likely that 1m2f did not suit him on soft ground in France. Somehow denied on his comeback in the Ballysax, but romped home back over 1m in Listed company latest. Still holds a Derby entry, but may be speedier than anticipated.
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Duke De Sessa (Dermot Weld, Chris Hayes) 33/1
Pedigree suggests 1m should be ideal, but performances at two strongly suggested he would be better over further. Maiden victory came over 1m on soft, but was then readily outpaced by Native Trail, among others, in the Group 1 National Stakes back over 7f. FInal two-year-old success was in a Group 3 over 1m1f, beating Derby hopeful Piz Badile. Unable to get close to that rival when conceding 3lb on return and then well beaten in Leopardstown’s Derby Trial. Slightly difficult to pinpoint his trip now and loads of ground to make up with the favourite.
Imperial Fighter (Andrew Balding, Ben Coen) 50/1
Certainly talented enough at two, winning on debut and keeping good company thereafter. Second in a pair of Group 3s, one of which was behind 2000 Guineas hero Coroebus in Newmarket’s Autumn Stakes. Only 2½ lengths behind Luxembourg in Group 1 Futurity Stakes to conclude the season too, so was certainly consistent. Probably below his best on reappearance Newcastle Listed race, but entitled to improve having not had a clear run. Seems a big price on best efforts.
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Ivy League (Aidan O’Brien, Ryan Moore) 11/1
Has emerged as a late contender for this Classic as he did not make his debut until March. Well beaten that day, but clearly improved for it, winning next time out at Dundalk and laughing at a handicap mark of 84 at Naas at the end of April. That entitled him to a run in Group 3 company, but ran against older horses, and perhaps found that experience too much early on in his career. Nevertheless, it is likely Native Trail, for one, would still have won that contest comfortably and needs a lot more.
Malex (Michael O’Callaghan, Leigh Roche) 40/1
Beat both Boundless Ocean and Ivy League on debut, denying the former late on. Cost 420,000gns and is a half-brother to the very useful Trais Fluors, so bred for this high level. No match on his second start for Buckaroo when only fourth of seven in Listed company. Could prove better than that as he was squeezed for room as he was retreating behind the eventual winner and was eased home late on. Nevertheless, a lot to find to be competitive here.
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Native Trail (Charlie Appleby, William Buick) 4/11
Unbeaten as a juvenile, including two Group 1s. One of those came in his first venture to Ireland when kicking impressively clear in the National Stakes from a previously unbeaten Ballydoyle inmate. Won the Dewhurst back in the UK next time out and reappeared in fine fettle when winning the Craven as well. That warmed him up for the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, but may well have ended up with the worst draw in 15 when second to stablemate Coroebus. No Such draw issues here and easily the one to beat.
New Energy (Sheila Lavery, Billy Lee) 66/1
Impressive winner on debut at the Curragh last September, winning by 2½ lengths. That has proved a slightly false dawn as was down the field on his only other start at two, albeit not beaten too far in a Group 3. Reappeared with a decent placed effort in Listed company before finishing third in Listed event, ahead of Malex, last time. More required here, as was four lengths behind Buckaroo and no apparent excuses.
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Wexford Native (Jim Bolger, Kevin Manning) 25/1
Made a taking impression at Navan in March, winning a 1m maiden by 2½ lengths from a colt who won comfortably himself next time out. Least experienced in the field when second to Buckaroo in that key Listed event over course and distance last time out. Raced a touch keenly and did not get the clearest run, so did well to finish second. However, he was fairly outpaced by the winner and though he could improve, third place looks his likely best.
Verdict
NATIVE TRAIL really should be winning this, as he could easily have remained unbeaten at Newmarket if on the right side of the draw. This Irish 2000 Guineas field does not look anywhere near the quality of the British race either, with the exception of Buckaroo, who is second choice. A big run could be in the offing from the other British runner, Imperial Fighter, who would be the each-way play at the prices.
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