- all times GMT
Classics – and Classic clues – abound this weekend with the Irish 2000 and 1000 Guineas, as well as the last few Derby and Oaks trials, serving as the highlight.
Gstaad looks likely to go off a short-priced favourite for the first named of those events (15:40, Curragh, Saturday). The Juvenile Turf winner from last year looked a top class colt despite being unable to fend off the late burst of Bow Echo in the English equivalent, pulling 8 lengths clear of the third Distant Storm, who re-opposes here. This big horse should improve for the run and clearly sets a very high standard. Distant Storm was probably on the wrong side of the track that day, and probably lacks the physical scope of Gstaad. A bigger danger might be Alparslan, who won a notable trial on his seasonal debut, taking some decent scalps, and should get a nice tow into the race from the front-runners.
The fillies equivalent (16:30, Curragh, Sunday) also has a short-priced favourite but looks a more open renewal. True Love was really impressive when landing the English 1000 last time, sweeping clear after travelling well. This scopey sort had the benefit of a previous run there but still looked a very smart filly. Her main rival looks to be Precise, who was Ryan Moore’s pick at Newmarket and ran a lot better than it looked at the time when finishing seventh there. She raced on the opposite side to the winner and was possibly unsuited by having to do all of the work herself, but she made a really nice move into the contest before fading late. She should be sharper here and it’s not hard to see her reversing the form.
Abashiri is also an interesting runner. She was third at Newmarket but that was a serious effort trying to make all on just her second career start having only won a synthetic Maiden on debut last year. She boxed on incredibly well once headed and is nicely drawn to lead here at a track that can favour speed – big chance.
Before that race we have the Tattersalls Gold Cup (15:55), which will see Minnie Hauk go to post a warm favourite. Last year’s Arc runner up was impressive enough when making a winning return over this course and distance three weeks ago given she was probably caught a little bit out of her ground and she should step forward from that. A repeat of her best form will be enough here.
The progressive Saddadd looks the main danger having scored at Group 3 level on his seasonal debut having progressed from handicaps last season. He showed a good turn of foot there and has scope to improve further.
Saddadd’s ownermate Almaqam has some high class form, including a victory over Ombudsman last year, but this will be tough without a recent run. Bay City Roller is another who can give the favourite a race. A wide-margin winner of a German Group 1 last season, he ran very well behind Derby winner Lambourn on his return and should be well placed tactically.
There are several other top notch contests at the Curragh this weekend. On Saturday, the Greenlands Stakes (15:05) sees the return of Powerful Glory, who landed a Group 1 on his most recent start at odds of 200/1. His career has basically been the sublime or the ridiculous so far with nothing in between, so it’ll be interesting to see which version turns up here.
The Gallinule Stakes (16:15) might provide some Classic clues with three Michael Tabor and Aidan O’Brien trained runners dominating the betting. The progressive Causeway, and unexposed and well-touted Drop Dead Gorgeous, look Group 1 runners in waiting, while Amadeus Mozart also looks like a colt with major potential.
Finally, on Sunday, we see Great Barrier Reef go to post as favourite for the Marble Hill Stakes (14:15). Representing Coolmore, this No Nay Never colt was extremely impressive on debut and can enhance his Royal Ascot hopes by beaten some promising rivals here.
Back in England, a slew of talented fillies strut their stuff on Saturday. Group 1 winner Friendly Soul makes her return from a 594 day lay-off in the Hedge Of Oak Stakes (13:45 Haydock), while fellow Group 1 scorer Venetian Sun looks the one to beat in the Sandy Lane Stakes. This leading juvenile – who beat Gstaad when scoring at the top level last season – bombed out in the Guineas but should be much happier back over sprinting trips.
Over at York, the Bronte Cup Fillies’ Stakes (15:15) looks an excellent opportunity for Danielle to get her season off to a winning start. This mare has always had bags of talent and deserves some Group 1 success this season.
We have Classic trials at Goodwood, too, with the Height Of Fashion Stakes (15:10) looking between Earth Shot and Brilliant Star, who both come here off wide margin wins at lower levels for top yards. Meanwhile, Saxon Street should maintain his unbeaten record in the Cocked Hat Stakes (14:00) having already won a Derby trial at Epsom last time out.
Race Of The Weekend
The Temple Stakes (15:30) at Haydock this Saturday looks a belter with a couple of Group 1 winners in the shape of Asfoora and American Affair on the comeback trail taking on improving front-runners Night Raider and Jakajaro. Much may depend on the draw on a straight track that can be heavily biased, but this should be fast and furious stuff regardless.
Horse To Watch
Oxted would pick this up and carry them on the form of his last run where third in the Group 1 July Cup. The only problem is that that run came in the 2021 renewal. I can assure you that’s not a typo, as this son of Mayson has been brought out of retirement to have another go aged 10 having seen two Presidents elected since he last ran. It’s impossible to know what to expect from this horse off a 1778-day break, but it’ll be fascinating to see if he can run anywhere near his best form in the Cathedral Stakes (19:15) at Salisbury this Saturday.
