Talking Horses: Wembley can win the cup for O’Brien in Irish 2,000 Guineas
The track at the Curragh was unraceable yesterday after torrential rain and if the course passes the planned inspection on Saturday morning the going will be as tough as it gets in Ireland for the 2,000 Guineas.
This will be a completely different test to the one on fast ground when Poetic Flare and Lucky Vega were first and third in the English Guineas at Newmarket this month and the winner has to be opposed, turning up here quickly after a disappointing attempt to follow up in the French equivalent last weekend.
Lucky Vega is not so easily dismissed but concentrating on colts with proven form in the heavy conditions is the percentage call and the Aidan O’Brien-trained Wembley (3.20), who was eased considerably at Newmarket when his chance had gone, is one of those who will appreciate the stiff test at the mile trip.
Goodwood 1.40 An each-way punt on outsider Nuits St Georges, who should be very well suited by the idiosyncratic track and soft ground, is the way to go in a very open race on paper.
Haydock 1.55 Dual heavy ground winner Molls Memory, back on a winning mark after hinting at a return to form last time, is the suggestion in an extremely tricky puzzle.
Goodwood 2.10 Al Zaraqaan holds an entry in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot and could outclass this lot if handling the conditions.
Haydock 2.25 Green Book may not be able to confirm last-time-out Chester running with Postileo, who did not get the run of the race that day.
York 2.40 Roger Varian is hopeful of a big run from Believe In Love, who is suited by distance and going in what is a tight Group Three contest.
Haydock 3.00 Raadobarg is plenty short enough in what is always a competitive heat but is on the upgrade and proven on the soft.
Haydock 3.35 Unbeaten classy prospect Dragon Symbol is the one to side with if allowed to take his chance in the desperate ground.
Quick Guide
Tony Paley’s Saturday tips
Show
Goodwood 1.05 Prism 1.40 Nuits St Georges 2.10 Al Zaraqaan 2.50 Aldaary (nap) 3.25 Hukum 4.00 Miss Mulligan 4.35 Chiasma
Haydock 1.20 Mystical Dawn 1.55 Molls Memory 2.25 Postileo 3.00 Raadobarg 3.35 Dragon Symbol 4.10 Keep Busy 4.45 Cloudy Dawn
Newmarket 1.25 Superior Force 2.00 Blue De Vega 2.35 Law Of One 3.05 Bilhayal 3.40 Zeeband 4.15 Baileys Derbyday 4.50 Lucander
York 2.05 Ayjaal 2.40 Believe In Love 3.15 Dubai Instinct 3.50 Count D’Orsay 4.20 Pepperwort 4.55 Northern Express 5.25 Markazi
Lingfield 5.20 I’m Digby 5.55 Gift Of Kings 6.25 Danzart 6.55 Eve Lodge 7.25 Hope Probe (nb) 7.55 Berkshire Miele 8.25 Pinball Wizard
Stratford 5.40 Restandbethankful 6.10 Forecast 6.40 Some Day Soon 7.10 Hatcher 7.40 Hit The Bottle 8.10 Tea Time On Mars 8.40 Almufeed
York 3.50 Proven soft-ground performer Count D’Orsay was an eyecatcher over this track last time.
Haydock 4.10 Keep Busy has winning form on a heavy surface and should give a good account.