WHILST there is much debate about the size of the crowd at the Curragh over the three days of the Irish Guineas Festival, one thing is for sure, those who were not in attendance missed a superb three days of sport. The meeting provided top-class performances that are data rich and there is no doubt that this was the best festival of racing that we have seen this season.

The 2000 and 1000 Guineas come under the analytical spotlight this week along with one horse to follow, whose data paints a positive picture even if the bare form of the race is unremarkable. In 2000 Guineas, it was time for the real Field Of Gold to turn up.