3.25 TATTERSALLS IRISH

1000 GUINEAS

(GROUP 1) 1M

Aneen: Offered plenty of encouragement in two runs late last season, the second of which saw her dominate a 7f Curragh maiden in October. She looks more than capable of holding her own in good company this term and she isn’t one to discount despite this representing a rather stiff return to action.

Asking: Capable type who won a Dundalk maiden earlier in the season and was also placed at Group 3 level earlier this month but she came up well short when tackling Group 1 company in France last time and others boast more obvious claims.

Bean Feasa: Showed plenty of promise in some of her initial efforts, such as when fifth in a quality Guineas Trial at Leopardstown last month and when beaten by the very smart Naughty Or Nice at Gowran. Broke her maiden in good style in a Leopardstown Group 3 last time, but this is altogether tougher and a major step forward is required.

Hydrangea: Tough and classy filly who is capable of making her mark at this level as evidenced by runner-up finishes in the Moyglare and the Fillies Mile along with a victory over Winter at Leopardstown last month. Didn’t run her race in the English 1000 Guineas last time and must have a chance if coming back to form.

Intricately: Famously landed last year’s Moyglare Stakes with a game short-head defeat of Hydrangea. A comeback fourth behind that rival in a Leopardstown trial was very encouraging but she was some way below her best in the English 1000 Guineas last time. A return to form would make her a contender.

Rehana: Classy filly who went on to hold her own in good company last season after beating Rhododendron in a maiden at this track. Her comeback third behind Hydrangea was very encouraging and she built on that to run out a smooth winner of the Athasi Stakes last time. There could still be more to come from her and she will challenge strongly for a place in the frame.

Roly Poly: Teak-tough sprinting juvenile last term when she notched up Group 2 and Group 3 wins in addition to a short-head defeat in the Cheveley Park Stakes. Her comeback run at Newmarket was better than her final position would suggest and she didn’t run at all badly when sixth in the French equivalent of the 1000 Guineas last time so she could well make her presence felt.

Winter: Looked promising in three runs last season but has moved on to an altogether higher level this term. A fine comeback second behind Hydrangea marked her out as a coming force at this level and she duly delivered on that promise with a fine 2l triumph in the English 1000 Guineas. She will surely take all the beating.

VERDICT

Winter turned in a superb effort to win the English 1000 Guineas on her last start and she will surely take all the beating as she looks to complete a classic double. Her form puts her some way in advance of these rivals and she could yet do better still. Both Hydrangea and Inticately are capable of much better than they showed at Newmarket and both would be leading contenders at their best. Rehana has shaped up nicely this term and should challenge strongly for a place in the frame.