Curragh preview: Irish 2000 Guineas (15.20)

Gleneagles put in a stunning performance to land the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, and looks a worthy odds-on shot to follow up in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh (15.20).

The Aidan O’Brien trained colt did tremendously well as a juvenile, finishing fourth on debut before going on score his next four starts in the manner of a top notch prospect.

Gleneagles showed a smart turn of foot to come from off the pace on his penultimate outing to beat Toscanini by 1 1/2 lengths in the Group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh, before rounding of the campaign with victory in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp.

Although Gleneagles lost the latter in the stewards’ room, it was a harsh decision and there is little doubt that he was the best horse in the race.

The beautifully bred son of Galileo was sent off the 4/1 favourite for the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on the back of that success, and his supporters never had an anxious moment.

After racing in touch on the stands side, Gleneagles made smooth headway two from home to take up the running at the furlong marker and quicken clear to beat Terrotories by 2 1/4 lengths.

Jockey Ryan Moore never had to get serious at any stage, and the turn of foot shown by Gleneagles suggested he wpuld be extemnely difficult to beat in Group 1 mile contests during the rest of the season.

This race looks a formality for Gleneagles if turning up in the same form, and and he can emulate Rock of Gibraltar and Henrythenavigator by landing the English/Irish Guineas double for Ballydoyle handler O’Brien.

Ivawood finished three lengths behind Gleneagles when third in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, and looks the obvious one to chase home the jolly.