Previous 2000 Guineas favourite Albert Einstein was a disappointing favourite at the Curragh on Saturday. He no longer heads the betting for the opening Classic. However, one favourite who did not disappoint was Calandagan, who put in a stellar display in the Dubai Sheema Classic.
We round up the weekend results to bring you the latest racing news today.
Albert Einstein unlikely to run in 2000 Guineas
Ante-post favourite Albert Einstein is now an unlikely runner in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Aidan O’Brien’s highly-regarded colt could finish only sixth in the Listed Gladness Stakes at the Curragh. Albert Einstein was returning from a long lay-off after running just twice as a juvenile. He was also stepping up to 7f, but was tenderly handled by Ryan Moore as Big Gossey took the race. On this evidence, O’Brien believes “there’s every chance that he’s a sprinter.” (Mirror)
Calandagan among those to shine in Dubai
The world’s highest-rated racehorse showed why that is the case as Calandagan won at Meydan on Saturday. Overcoming a significant deficit in the home straight, Mickael Barzalona’s mount ran down clear front-runner West Wind Blows to land the Dubai Sheema Classic. It was a fifth straight Group 1 win for Francis-Henri Graffard’s charge. He has now won Group 1 prizes in his native France, as well as Britain, Japan and the UAE. (France Galop)
Ombudsman was another European champion on Dubai World Cup night. John & Thady Gosden’s runner was last seen chasing Calandagan home in the Champion Stakes at Ascot. However, with that rival engaged elsewhere, Ombudsman cosily claimed the Group 1 Dubai Turf. That race is run over a shorter 1m1 1/2f trip. The feature race of the night saw an upset though, as Forever Young was beaten in the Dubai World Cup. The Japanese Breeders’ Cup Classic hero could finish only second behind American-trained winner Magnitude. (Sky Sports)
Channon & Greatrex celebrate Lincoln win with Urban Lion
The flat season opener delivered a victory for Jack Channon and Edward Greatrex in the Lincoln. The latter guided the former’s Urban Lion to success in Doncaster’s curtain-raising handicap. The pair edged ahead of the five-timer seeking Rogue Diplomat in the closing stages. The victory headlined a landmark day for Channon, who also claimed the Spring Mile earlier on the card. (Sky Sports)
Precise racing to beat setback ahead of Guineas
With one O’Brien-trained favourite disappointing on the racecourse, another is fighting to even make her intended race. Precise has been favourite for the 1000 Guineas throughout the winter. Already a two-time Group 1 winner, Precise was hugely impressive in winning the Fillies’ Mile. However, she was suffering with a temperature as recently as a fortnight ago, setting back her Guineas preparations. O’Brien remains confident she will make the race at the beginning of May. (Racing Post)