settled mid-division, switched out in 6th 2f out, travelled well into 2nd 1f out, ridden to lead last 200 yards, comfortably
towards rear, ridden into 10th 1f out, no impression and kept on one pace final furlong
led and disputed in centre, drifted left over 3f out, soon headed, ridden and weakened over 2f out
chased leaders, 6th halfway, headway to 3rd 3f out, ridden in 5th and no extra 1 1/2f out, weakened final furlong
held up towards rear, headway in 7th 1 1/2f out, ridden into 5th 1f out, kept on well final furlong to go 2nd, no chance with winner
chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden 2f out, under pressure in 3rd 1 1/2f out, no extra in 4th 1f out, kept on same pace
rear of mid-division throughout, never a factor
prominent and disputed, led 3f out, ridden and headed 2 1/2f out, kept on, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden in 3rd halfway, weakened over 3f out
mid-division, 7th halfway, ridden 2f out, no extra 1 1/2f out, kept on same pace
soon held up towards rear, ridden in 9th 1 1/2f out, 8th 1f out, kept on final furlong
mid-division, 8th halfway, headway in 5th 2f out, ridden in 4th 1 1/2f out, 3rd 1f out, no extra final furlong and kept on same pace
chased leaders, 5th halfway, headway under 3f out, led 2 1/2f out, ridden and challenged 1f out, headed final 200 yards, no extra and kept on same pace
An intriguing Irish 2000 Guineas with a field full of class lining up and the vote goes to XTENSION who appears to be the safest bet ahead of Steinbeck and Fencing Master. Clive Cox's stable star ran a very nice race in the English Guineas to finish fourth after looking a possible winner three out. He couldn't live with Dick Turpin or Canford Cliffs' turn of foot but fought on bravely to finish fourth. They didn't go much of a pace early doors but a strong pace is guaranteed today with Aidan O'Brien saddling six runners. That is sure to suit Xtension and blunt the Hannon horse's speed. Now with that run under his belt he is sure to strip fitter and sharper, a big run is expected. The same can't be said about Steinbeck, who ran in last year's Dewhurst. He ran a cracker to finish fourth that day after coming back from an injury. There is no doubt in my mind that Steinbeck is the best horse in this race but his fragile nature and preparation has to be a huge concern. He will have his days in the sun but whether it's today remains to be seen. However, O'Brien has stated he's had a racecourse gallop so he may be more forward than we know but at the prices, Xtension offers more value and is a safer bet. Ballydoyle's second string, Fencing Master, is another who should step up on his English Guineas run. He hasn't a whole lot to find with Canford Cliffs and Xtension and his stable's horses always show considerable improvement from their first run to their second. The likelihood of a strong gallop will also suit this likable type by Oratorio. Canford Cliffs is still a major concern over this trip. He didn't conclusively prove he stayed a mile in the Guineas due to the slow pace. If he settles he will go well but he always races with plenty of enthusiasm which is a concern. Keredari from the John Oxx stable also warrants respect after a decisive victory on his last start. Mick Kinane highlighted this horse's chance last year and put him up as a nice prospect to follow. He has a bit to find with the market leaders but is worth a cautionary market look. Noll Wallop is another worth a market check considering his stable are in great form but the Irish Derby looks more his race. Another cracking race in store at the Curragh but the Xtension just gets the nod over Steinbeck, who may need the race. Don't be surprised if Fencing Master beats his more fancied stablemate but Xtension is the selection.
Canford Cliffs (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Held up, steady headway from 2f out, ridden entering final furlong, ran on, not quicken near finish, 3rd of 19, 1 3/4l behind Makfi (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf.
Dynasty 9-2 (9-1) Soon settled towards rear, ridden to chase leaders in 3rd 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, not quite get to winner, 2nd of 7, shd behind Free Judgement (9-1) at Curragh 7f 3yo Grp 3.
Encompassing (IRE) 13-8fav (9-2) Settled in 3rd, ridden into 2nd 1 1/2f out, no impression leader final furlong, kept on same pace, 2nd of 4, 3 1/2l behind Shintoh (9-2) at Navan 1m stks gf.
Fencing Master 14-1 (9-0) Always prominent, pushed along 3f out, ridden 2f out, kept on final furlong, 7th of 19, 4l behind Makfi (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf.
Free Judgement (USA) 10-3 (9-1) Always prominent, niggled along 3f out, challenged and disputed lead from 1 1/2f out, gained narrow lead under pressure inside final furlong, stayed on well, all out, won at Curragh 7f 3yo Grp 3 beating Dynasty (9-1) by shd, 7 ran.
Keredari (IRE) 4-1 (9-1) Made all, ridden clear 1 1/2f out, stayed on well, won at Curragh 7f 3yo lst stk hvy in Apr beating Jamaayel (8-12) by 4l, 8 ran.
Noll Wallop (IRE) 7-2 (9-0) Settled behind leaders, 5th halfway, headway in 4th 2f out, improved to lead 1 1/2f out, soon ridden clear, kept on strongly final furlong, comfortably, won at Leopardstown 1m 3yo Grp 3 in Mar beating Viscount Nelson (9-0) by 3 1/2l, 8 ran.
Oasis Dancer 4-1 (9-2) Raced alone in center, keen early, led after 1f, clear and edged left over 1f out, ridden out, unchallenged, won at Newmarket 1m 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf beating Balducci (8-4) by 2l, 12 ran.
Purple Heart (IRE) 11-4 (9-0) Settled behind leaders, 4th halfway, rear 3f out, ridden 2f out, under pressure in 4th 1 1/2f out, 3rd 1f out, no extra final furlong, kept on same pace, 3rd of 5, 4 1/2l behind Reiteration (9-5) at Gowran Park 1m 1f 3yo stk gf.
Sebastian Flyte 13-2 (9-0) Chased leader, challenged 3f out, ridden in 3rd and no extra 1 1/2f out, 5th 1f out, kept on one pace, 7th of 8, 9l behind Noll Wallop (9-0) at Leopardstown 1m 3yo Grp 3 in Mar.
Steinbeck (IRE) 4-1 (9-1) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed and kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 15, 3/4l behind Beethoven (9-1) at Newmarket 7f 2yo Grp 1 (1) gd in Oct.
Viscount Nelson (USA) 40-1 (9-0) In rear, ridden over 2f out, never a factor, 11th of 19, 10l behind Makfi (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf.
Xtension (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Mid-division, effort over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 19, 2 3/4l behind Makfi (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf.
