Article Date: 21-May-2012
Hermival, third behind Camelot and French Fifteen in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, was the surprise package when the names of the 15 horses standing their ground for Saturday's Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas were released on Monday afternoon.
Trained in France by Mikel Delzangles, Hermival is likely to again face Newmarket fourth Trumpet Major, trained by Richard Hannon.
On Tuesday, both Hermival and Trumpet Major were confirmed as likely runners, as was Parish Hall. Jim Bolger's colt has not been seen since winning the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket last October but is sure to appreciate the likely good ground at the Curragh next weekend.
Born To Sea and Power, well down the field at Newmarket, could also take their chance in the Irish equivalent, while Born To Sea's trainer John Oxx is also expected to run Takar, winner of the Tetrarch Stakes at the Curragh recently. With Johnny Murtagh retained to ride Takar, Pat Smullen is believed to be in line for the ride on Born To Sea.
Power's trainer Aidan O'Brien has won this contest on seven occasions and he is responsible for six other entries - Crusade, Daddy Long Legs, Nephrite, Reply, Vault and Wrote.
Alkazim (David Wachman), Foxtrot Romeo (Brian Smart) and Speaking Of Which (Dermot Weld) are the other three contenders in a fascinating contest.
Emulous makes her long awaited seasonal debut in the Group 3 TRI Equestrian Stakes and the Dermot Weld-trained mare is reported to be in great shape ahead of the task in hand. Alanza, who is also making her first appearance of the season, will offer stiff opposition as will the two overseas challengers Law Of The Range and Winter’s Night.
There is likely to be a very strong British-trained challenge for the Group 3 Weatherbys Ireland Greenland Stakes. There are 25 still remaining in the six furlong contest and no less than 11 of them are trained across the pond, including last week’s York scorer Tiddliwinks.
Interestingly Aidan O’Brien has also left Crusade, Power, Nephrite and Reply in the race. The Listed Emirates Equestrian Federation Marble Hill Stakes, meanwhile, has attracted 14 entries, including the unbeaten Dawn Approach who was most impressive when scoring at Naas last week.
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