3 minute read

World class and globetrotting jockey provides his thoughts on his rides at Curragh in Ireland for two day of World Pool racing with Officer to take step forward in very strong Irish 2000 Guineas.

It's great that Irish 2,000 Guineas Day is a World Pool event for the first time.

Though this year's Irish 2,000 Guineas isn't a huge field, it's a high quality one which deserves its place on the international racing calendar as a very important Classic, and a Group 1.

There are strong fields and good prize money across the card on Saturday, as well as two high-class Group 1s on Sunday, so it's a great opportunity to have the global spotlight on Ireland.

Saturday 24 May - Curragh - Irish 2000 Guineas Day

Race 1: 2yo Maiden

I kick off with BRUSSELS, who's a well-bred son of Wootton Bassett. It's his first time out, so he'll definitely improve for the run, but he's been working nicely at home. He's a nice colt that will hopefully give a good account of himself.

Race 4: G2 Greenlands Stakes

STORM BOY is an exciting horse to have in the yard. He was previously with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott in Australia, and he hasn't been seen since the Everest in October last year.

We actually did the same thing with Merchant Navy a few years ago, and he won this race before following up at Ascot too.

He's got a big reputation, and he's a big strong boy, but it's his first start for a long time and it will just be nice to get him started over here. The Curragh will be a new experience for him, as it's a stiff six furlongs (1200m) rather than running round a bend.

There are some good horses in there, like Iberian, Big Gossey, James's Delight, My Mate Alfie and Vespertillio, so it looks a very competitive Group 2, and we're just looking forward to getting him up and running for the season.

The Everest is the strongest sprint in the world, so we've got no doubt about his ability.

Race 5: G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas

It's a very strong Irish Guineas. OFFICER has had just the three starts so far, including winning the Listed Tetrarch Stakes on his reappearance this season.

That race is a nice trial for this and it's a positive that he's already proven over the mile at the Curragh, but he'll need to step forward again to beat the likes of Field Of Gold, who sets the standard following his second in the G1 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Hotazhell is already a G1 winner and his form has been given a boost by Delacroix this year. Cosmic Year is a horse I rode on his last start who is unbeaten in three starts - he's a pacey horse stepping up to the mile for the first time.

Rashabar might be slightly overlooked. I thought he ran well when second in the G3 Greenham Stakes on his reappearance and is stepping up to a mile for the first time.

I wouldn't discount Wind Lord, who is stepping back down in trip, or Scorthy Champ either. He could bounce back having possibly not been suited by ground and the track at Newmarket.

Race 6: Emerald Mile

SKUKUZA lines up in this valuable handicap and is probably drawn a bit awkwardly. He was runner-up in last year's Britannia Stakes behind Mickley, who Hong Kong racing fans will know well, so he's got proven form at a good level.

He's had a couple of runs this season. I'm not quite sure what happened at Newcastle last time, but his reappearance at Haydock was encouraging.

Hopefully, there's still improvement to come. He's drawn a bit higher than ideal, but Ed Dunlop has brought him over for this valuable race, and it's definitely worth a go.

Race 9: 3yo Maiden

I finish the day with PROPOSE. He had a run here last year and made his seasonal return at Dundalk in March.

The step up to a mile and a quarter should play to his strengths, and he looks to have a solid chance.

Sunday 25 May - Curragh - Tattersalls Gold Cup Day

Race 4: G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup

LOS ANGELES takes his chance in the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, which looks a very strong race.

The field includes top-class horses like Al Riffa, G1 Champion Stakes winner Anmaat, and G2 Royal Lodge Stakes winner Ghostwriter, so it's a deep contest.

But Los Angeles is in excellent form. He had a solid comeback in the G2 Mooresbridge Stakes, finishing ahead of White Birch, who he meets again here. Hopefully, he can build on that performance.

Race 5: G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas

LAKE VICTORIA had a strong season last year and her return in the G1 1,000 Guineas this year, where she finished sixth, may have come a touch too soon.

That run should bring her on, and she'll be much fitter this time. I certainly haven't lost any faith in her, and I expect her to show her true colours on Sunday.

It's a high-quality race, with the second and third from the 1,000 Guineas lining up again, as well as three more unbeaten fillies, so it's competitive.