The first Classic of the Irish racing season takes place on Saturday, as the G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas is staged over a mile at the Curragh. Unsurprisingly, Aidan O’Brien has a strong hand, as he chases a record-extending success in the race.
Before Betting On Irish 2,000 Guineas
The G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas is one of the most historic races to be staged in Ireland, with the contest having been staged annually at the end of May since 1921. It is run three weeks after the G1 2,000 Guineas in Newmarket, and that has provided a solid form line, with nine runners having won both races.
Rosallion ticks that trend this weekend, as the Richard Hannon runner ran an excellent race after a 216-day break to finish second in the 2,000 Guineas. He showed plenty of quality as a juvenile, winning a Group One in France over seven furlongs. His only resounding defeat was suffered on soft ground at Doncaster, meaning that he will be hoping for good ground on Saturday.
River Tiber looks to be the standout runner from the O’Brien yard this weekend. However, there are clear concerns surrounding his ability over a mile, as he competed over sprint distances throughout last term. The three-year-old was a fine winner of the G2 Coventry Stakes, before finishing behind Vandeek at Deauville and Newmarket.
Haatem is also a runner of note this weekend from the Hannon yard. The three-year-old was third in the 2,000 Guineas on his second start this year, which came after a win over a mile at Newmarket in impressive style at the end of April. Appears to have progressed this season, and there would be no surprise to see him play a big role.
Irish 2,000 Guineas Offshore Odds & Pick
Rosallion looks to be a solid selection over a mile in Ireland this weekend, as he should come on from his reappearance effort when second in the 2,000 Guineas. Haatem could follow his stablemate home to claim a famous one-two for the Hannon team.
