Classic trials in Ireland

The Grand National meeting is now finished, and although we still have some big jumps meetings to come -notably Punchestown- thoughts are now turning to the flat and especially to the classic races for 3yo´s which are only a few weeks away. Both Leopardstown in Ireland and Longchamp in France stage major classic trials today, while in the U.K. there are only two modest N.H. fixtures at Market Rasen and Ffos Las.

There are only 4 runners in the 2000 Guineas Trial at 15.55 CET at Leopardstown, but it could still be an informative race. Aidan O´Brien saddles two of them, with Furner´s Green, ridden by his son Joseph, the main hope following his good second place to Light Heavy (runs later) when clearly in need of the race. Akeed Wafi (John Oxx/ Johnny Murtagh) is an obvious danger, while debutant Tiger at Heart (Jim Bolger/ KEvin Manning) comes from a stable which is always dangerous at this meeting.

The same trainers look like dominating proceedings throughout, and Aidan O´Brien, who has won the 1,000 Guineas trial 5 times this century, now saddles 4 in the latest edition at 17.00. Up, ridden by Joseph, is his main contender; although suprisingly beaten at odds-on on her seasonal debut in a false run race at Dundalk, her fourth place last November at the Breeders Cup looks the best form. Fire Lily ended last season by running up in the Lowther, Moyglare and Marcel Boussac, 3 of the best European events for 2yo fillies and is clearly a threat; she is trained by David Wachman, but is owned by the same Coolmore syndicate as O´Brien´s runners. The Aga Khan´s Rubina (Oxx/ Murtagh) is held by Fire Lily on 2011 form but looks the type to improve.

The Ballysax Stakes over 10 furlongs at 17.35 is one of the best early season Derby trials, and O´Brien has 3 runners here, with Joseph riding the smart David LIvingston. However as a Group Two winner he has to concede 5 lbs all round, and we are not sure that he can give the weight to Light Heavy (Bolger/ Manning), conqueror of Furner´s Green last time, and Call to Battle (John Oxx/ Murtagh) who won his two final races in 2011, including here over 9 furlongs and looks a smart staying prospect.

The other significant race here is the listed Heritage Stakes over a mile at 16.25, which sees the 2012 debut of course specialist Famous Name (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen). He has no fewer than 9 course victories to his credit, including this event twice, and should win again, but he faces strong opposition from the Aga Khan´s lightly-raced Sharestan (Oxx/ Murtagh) who won the Irish Lincolnshire last time in the style of a horse who is going to make an impact in top company.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Forester - Move To Strike - Lucked Out
2. Race: Furner`s Green - Akeed Wafi - Tiger At Heart
3. Race: Famous Name - Sharestan - Northgate
4. Race: Fire Lily - Up - Rubina
5. Race: David Livingston - Light Heavy - Call To Battle
6. Race: Olfa - Bankroll - Ondeafears
7. Race: Harrison`S Cave - Rising Wind - Ri An Domhnaigh