Classic Trials Day in Leopardstown

Leopardstown, Saturday 2 April: Two trials are scheduled for the classic 1000 and 2000 Guineas at Leopardstown today.

Stallions and geldings contest the 2000 Guineas Trial Stakes (2nd race/15.35pm/40,000 Euro/1400m). Dr Zempf (Colin Keane) already announced himself emphatically in the Phoenix Stakes (Group 1) as a narrowly beaten second and is one of the closest favourites. Aidan O`Brien sends three horses into the race with Glounthaune (Ryan Moore), who won here in the Killavullan Stakes (Group 3) and later had no chance in the Breeders` Cup, Howth (Wayne Lordan) and The Acropolis (Emmet McNamara), who were recently without possibilities behind their stablemate. Jim Bolgers McTigue (Kevin Manning) moved to the break after a meagre performance in the Futurity Trophy Stakes (Group 1), he is expected back fully recovered according to the trainer.

In the 1000 Guineas Trial Stakes (3rd race/16.10pm/50,000 Euro/1400m), the route to victory will be via four-time winner Sacred Bridge (Colin Keane). She did not finish beyond midfield in her last appearance in the Cheveley Park Stakes (Group 1). Contarelli Chapel (Ryan Moore) ended her maiden season early but was already showing potential. Agartha (Declan Mc Donogh), Pennine Hills (Dylan Browne McMonagle) and Seisai (Mikey Sheehy) are the hopefuls from Joseph O`Brien`s stable. Especially the former should play a major role after her good fourth place in the Prix Marcel Boussac (Group 1).