Irish 1,000 Guineas preview: Winter in top form
Friday 26 May 2017 15:59, UK
Newmarket heroine Winter bids to provide Aidan O'Brien with a seventh victory in the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Sunday.
The daughter of Galileo saw off stable companion and hot favourite Rhododendron to clinch the 1000 Guineas over the Rowley Mile three weeks ago and will be a warm order to follow up on home turf.
O'Brien also saddles Hydrangea, who is fitted with cheekpieces after disappointing at Newmarket, Asking and Roly Poly.
"We were very happy with Winter at Newmarket," said the Ballydoyle handler.
"She's a big, powerful filly, she's a strong traveller who gets the trip well, too.
"I think both (Winter and Hydrangea) will be happy with the ground. Both would like nice ground or better as they are good-moving horses."
Joseph O'Brien sends Intricately into battle, but last season's Moyglare Stud Stakes heroine will also need to raise her game after failing to fire at Headquarters.
O'Brien said: "We're looking forward to it.
"She seems to be in good form since Newmarket and everyone is delighted with her at home, but she disappointed at Newmarket in the Guineas there and will have to put that run behind her.
"She won the Moyglare last season at the Curragh so hopefully she can come back to form there on Sunday."
Rehana is a major contender for Michael Halford after she was impressive in the Athasi Stakes at Naas at the start of the month.
Kevin Prendergast is represented by Aneen, who has not been seen since bolting up in a Curragh maiden last October.
Jockey Chris Hayes said: "I'm sure the boss would like to have got a prep run into her but circumstances didn't allow it.
"She was holding on to her coat for the first Guineas trial and the ground was too heavy for the second one and we didn't see the point in just giving her a run in the third Guineas trial.
"She flew in her last piece of work. I couldn't be happier with her and if she could run into the money and let us know where we are going with her that would be great."
Jim Bolger's recent 1,000 Guineas Trial winner Bean Feasa completes the eight-strong line-up.
