DELEGATOR tops the list of nine declared runners for Saturday’s Group 1 Boylesports.com Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh. The Brian Meehan colt bids to go one better following his one and a half lengths second to See The Stars in the English equivalent and is again opposed by the fifth home there Mastercraftsman.
The latter is one of four Aidan O’Brien-trained runners along with Drumbeat, Hail Caesar and Viceroy Of India and is likely to be the mount of stable number one rider Johnny Murtagh. Mastercraftsman was not beaten far by Delegator at Newmarket after meeting trouble in running and connections will be optimistic that their charge can get a lot closer to the likely favourite on this occasion.
Rayeni, unbeaten in two runs as a juvenile, makes his seasonal debut on Saturday. Trainer John Oxx is bullish about his chances and feels that the likely testing conditions will suit the colt. Recharge, winner of a Guineas trial at Leopardstown in March on his seasonal debut, represents Kevin Prendergast, who holds the son of Cape Cross in high regard. On Leopardstown running, Recharge holds Hail Caesar which finished over five lengths behind him in fourth place.
Soul City is the other British-trained challenger in the line up. Richard Hannon’s colt has always been held in high regard by connections and the stable could not be in better form. Fergus McIver completes the line up. Jim Bolger’s charge has been a model of consistency this season, and with race fitness guaranteed, could prove a bit of each-way value. The ground at the Curragh is currently heavy.