Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh

the big Curragh meeting continues today with the Irish 1,000 Guineas at 17.15 CET as the highlight. 15 fillies line up for the classic, with Aidan O´Brien (4 runners), Kevin Prendergast (3), and Jim Bolger and John Oxx with 2 runners each, making up most of the field. Majestic Dubawi (Mick Channon/ Neil Callan) is the sole British challenger, but with the best will in the world it is almost impossible to see her making the frame.
After yesterday´s triumph for the O´Brien family, it is quite likely that they will complete the double here, although the trainer´s son Joseph, who had the starring role yesterday, is now back to riding the pacemaker Look at Me. Together (Ryan Moore), runner-up at Newmarket, looks the stable´s first string, although Misty for Me (Seamus Heffernan) must also have good prospects. The Oxx runners look the main dangers, with stable jockey
Johnny Murtagh aboard the Aga Khan´s Emiyna, who beat the older Lolly for Dolly in a Group Three last time. That form is not good enough, but the shrewd Oxx is convinced that his filly has improved a lot since then. However it is difficult to get away from the claims of Together, who looked the likely winner at Newmarket before Dettori came with a rush up the rail. Of the rest Banimpire (Bolger/ Kevin Manning) who has already been busy this year and won her last 3 races, looks the best, although Coolmore have another string to thwir bow with Chrysanthemum (David Wachman/ Wayne Lordan), who won both her starts last year but has been off the track since September; she is the only runner not to have had a start in 2011.
The main supporting feature is the Tattersalls Gold Cup (Group One for older horses, 10 1/2 furlongs) at 16.10. This race should be worth watching, but not having bet on, as So You Think (Aidan O´Brien/ Ryan Moore) looks unbeatable and will start at an unbackable price to initiate a big race double for the stable. The Austalian superstar caused an uproar in his native country when sold to Coolmore, but their loss is Europe´s gain as he appears to be a huge talent and is expected to play a leading role in all the top races this season. Famous Name (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen) is more of a Leopardstown specialist, but is very consistent. Connections are hoping to win a Group One with him, but he looks booked for second place here. Campanologist (Saeed bin Suroor/ Johnny Murtagh) woll probably finish third of the 5 runners; the Godolphin runner won two Group Ones in Germany last year, but has never faced anything of the calibre of So You Think.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Foot Soldier - Fastidious - Reply
2. Race: Nidian - Phoebe Van Gelder - Maarek
3. Race: Adilapour - Alexander Pope - Banksters Bonus
4. Race: So You Think - Famous Name - Campanologist
5. Race: Zerashan - Bob Le Beau - High Importance
6. Race: Together - Emiyna - Banimpire
7. Race: Kasih - Theoretically - Zayin Barakaldo
8. Race: Apache - No Such Number - Irish Review