3.40 Tattersalls Irish 2000

Guineas (Group 1)

Comanche Brave: Outran his odds when finishing half a length behind Henri Matisse, who later gained his second Group 1 in the French 2000 Guineas. There could be more to come from this Wootton Bassett colt.

Cosmic Year: Beautifully-bred Kingman colt has gone from strength to strength, but faces far greater competition here than he did in a listed event at Newmarket last time.

Expanded: Dewhurst Stakes runner-up disappointed on return at Newmarket, but should strip fitter today. The fact that his best run came on soft ground may be a concern.

Field Of Gold: The Newmarket favourite and runner-up won’t encounter any dips here though the media’s focus has been on his new rider. That performance and impressive Craven Stakes win makes him a leading contender today.

Hotazhell: Hugely progressive as a juvenile, ultimately landing the Group 1 Futurity Trophy. That came on soft ground and he was taken out of the French 2000 Guineas due to the drying ground.

Officer: The Tetrarch Stakes was an easier assignment, but the way in which he won it makes him dangerous to dismiss. It was also the same route taken by Awtaad, Flash Of Steel, Desert King and Paddington.

Rashabar: Surprise Coventry Stakes winner followed up with two seconds at Group 1 level and may have needed the run in the Greenham Stakes. His pedigree suggests he’ll improve with age and up in trip.

Scorthy Champ: Group 1-winning juvenile disappointed at Newmarket, but like so many, he could bounce back from that. Has stamina on his dam’s side, but neither of his brothers won over a mile, which is a slight concern for this Mehmas colt.

Windlord: Fine third behind two subsequent Group 1 winners, including Hotazhell, in the Beresford Stakes over course and distance. Beaten favourite on return in the Classic Trial over 10 furlongs, when he hung.

Conclusion

Based on his two last starts, Field Of Gold is the obvious choice. The Curragh rarely has a hard luck story, with no dips to delay his challenge. That said, plenty are open to improvement, most notably Officer, who follows a route tried and tested by connections with Paddington. Rashabar has always been underestimated and should strip fitter today, while Comanche Brave is open to further progression. There are potential worries for talented juveniles Expanded, Hotazhell and Scorthy Champ.