British racing pundits , in recent days, have been lamenting the lack of quality in the Vodafone Derby to be run at Epsom Downs on Saturday, June 7. An analyst or two has described the Blue Riband of the British turf as a sub-par event this year.

Such lack of enthusiasm took a precipitous turn Saturday afternoon. What was promoted as a duel worth going a long way to see turned out to be a lopsided contest in the Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh. Henrythenavigator administered a sound beating to the better fancied New Approach. The manner of winning was such that the Irish and the British bookmakers elevated the Aidan O’Brien sophomore to the head of the market with an average quote of 5-1. This was done without O’Brien confirming his star colt’s next engagement.

The track was firm and it was a picture perfect day for racing at the Curragh. Only five went postward in the Saturday feature. New Approach was the 11-10 favourite and Henrythenavigator could be backed at 5-4. Stubbs Art showed out early and soon New Approach took over the running. Henrythenavigator was third as the field raced in single file. New Approach continued to lead with 400 metres left. John Murtagh, astride Henrythenavigator, waited until the last 150 metres and came out of the pocket to deliver his challenge. The response was electrifying. Henrythenavigator stormed past New Approach to win by a length and three quarters in a time of 1 39.63 seconds over the 1600-metre trip. Stubbs Art took third. The same three colts took the first three spots in the English 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 3. The race was worth 182,000 pounds to the winner.

Henrythenavigator, a Kingmambo colt out of a Saddler’s Wells mare, Sequoyah, has now won four races from six starts. Aidan O’Brien, speaking moments after the race, was absolutely pleased. “The Derby at Epsom is high on the list. The boss (John Magnier) and Sue Magnier (the owner) will make the decision about the Derby. He will go the distance.”

John Murtagh was unstinting in his praise. “He’s a top class horse. Has a great turn of foot. He is an exciting horse for the year ahead.”

Aidan O’Brien dominated the day and jockey Murtagh landed a triple. Murtagh won with Heart Shaped. The third winner was Summit Surge trained by G M Lyons.

Colm O’Donoghue clicked with Astronomer Royal in a six furlong race. Myboycharlie, an O’Brien trainee, was the beaten favorite in this race. Astronomer Royal, you may recall, won the French 2000 Guineas last year. O’Donoghue stayed covered up and snaked his way to the out in the final furlong. Astronomer Royal came charging to score drawing away. It was a commendable ride.

Given how firm the going was, a decision to water the Curragh for Sunday’s meeting has been taken. The ground for the 1000 Guineas on Sunday may have some ease. Thirteen sophomore fillies will go postward. Nahoodh, ridden by Richard Hughes, is the 9-4 favourite. Winner of the Lowther Stakes, Nahoodh was a disappointment in the Fred Darling Stakes. In the English 1000 Guineas, Nahoodh, loaded with pace, could not find racing room. Richard Hughes, in a post-race statement, expressed the opinion that he could have won with clear sailing. Nahoodh will race in the colours of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.

Another serious player in the race is the Jim Bolger-trained Saoirse Abu, winner of two Group I races as a freshman. The Bolger filly was third in the English 1000 Guineas. Kevin Manning rides. Aidan O’Brien sends out five fillies. John Murtagh will be aboard Kitty Matcham.

There is an eight race card at the Curragh on Sunday. The 1000 Guineas is the fourth race scheduled to be run at 3 35 P M.

Another race of importance on Sunday at the Curragh is the Tattersalls Gold Cup, a leading trial for the Coronation Cup on June 6. Six horses will run. The distance is 2100 metres. Duke Of Marmalade, the 8-11 choice, comes off a win in the Group I Prix Ganay. He is being opposed by Finsceal Beo, the dual Guineas winner in 2007 who is listed at 2-1.

At Arlington Park on Saturday, the American 1000 Guineas was won by Much Obliged who returned $7.20. Christopher Emigh brought the Kingmambo filly off the pace.

Meal Penalty, a 7-1 proposition, took top honors in the Arlington Classic. Jose A Veez Jr was the winning jockey.

The Hanshin Cup provided a shock result. Coragil Cat, at 12-1, had the last laugh in the hands of jockey Diego Sanchez.

The Grade II Sheepshead Bay at Belmont Park went to Mauralakana, the 17-10 favourite. Kent Desormeaux rode. Trainer Christophe Clement confirmed that the Beverly D at Arlington in August is on the agenda.