With three months lost to the Covid-19 pandemic, racing authorities worldwide are themselves racing to hold feature events, that are crucial for the fabric of the Turf, in quick succession – at least outside India (within the country no one seems to have a clue). In Europe, with Royal Ascot retaining its traditional mid-June dates next week, it is the turn of the Irish Guineas to grab the limelight and unusually the “2000” will be run on a Friday, followed by the “1000” on Saturday. At least the sequence of English Guineas – Irish Guineas – Royal Ascot will be maintained, even if the programme has had to be drastically compressed!

At home, Irish trainers are hard to beat in the classics, as the home brigade usually has adequate firepower to fend off most invaders. This year an Irish success in both the Guineas at the Curragh is even more certain. And that is because the prevailing unusual circumstances have precluded the participation of foreign-trained runnersaltogether. 

Amongst Irish trainers, a victory for one hailing from Ballydoyle Stables, the haunt of Aidan O’Brien, is surely the most likely outcome. In the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas (1 mile), due off at 6:40 p.m. local (11:10 p.m. in India) on June 12th, O’Brien is responsible for more than half the field of 11 acceptors! Yet this year, the Coolmore brigade might just have to play second fiddle, as Juddmonte has thrown down the gauntlet via the medium of Siskin (by First Defence). 

Favourite at 5 to 2, the colt from Ger Lyons yard in Dunsany, Co. Meath, remained unbeaten from 4 starts at 2 last year, all at the 6f. trip in Ireland. He did venture across the Irish Sea for a crack at the Middle Park Stakes (also 6 f.) at Newmarket in England but got only as far as the starting gate. Here he reared up and was backed out riderless as he was getting restless, necessitating his withdrawal. Making his seasonal debut here, like all his 10 rivals, Siskin ought to possess the stamina for the mile, if one extrapolates his parents’ aptitudes. Stable jockey Colin Keane will continue his association on the descendant, via Monroe, of that outstanding tap-root, Sex Appeal (by Buckpasser). But the price about his chances indicates a degree of wariness amongst the punting public.

Should the public choice fail to uphold his reputation, O’Brien’s Armory (by Galileo) could hoist a winning flag at 4 to 1. Partnered by Wayne Lordan, the consistent colt has never been out of the first three and could add to his sire’s burgeoning tally of classic winners. Interestingly his third dam, Abstraction (by Rainbow Quest) is a Juddmonte-bred so there would be a hint of irony about a hypothetical win for her great-grandson! A favourable portent is that stablemate Love (by Galileo) emerged a comfortable winner of the QIPCO 1000 Guineas over at Newmarket last week. 

A point longer in the wagering is Ballydoyle’s Lope Y Fernandez (by Lope de Vega), who did manage to get away in that Middle Park Stakes renewal from which Siskin was withdrawn, but could finish only sixth behind Earthlight (by Shamardal), beaten 3-1/2 lengths. In the enforced absence of Ryan Moore, Seamie Heffernan has the opportunity to ride a classic winner and is sure to try and grab the chance with both hands. 

Yet another stablemate is Vatican City (by Galileo), a full-brother to Gleneagles, Marvellous, Happily, Taj Mahal and Coolmore, all Group race winners. Arguably he is the best-bred three-year-old in the whole wide world! Winner of a maiden last year from 2 starts, the 7 to 1 chance could be anything. Those who remember Epsom Derby winner Wings Of Eagles (by Pour Moi), who also hailed from Ballydoyle, will surely recall that he scored at 40-1, ridden by the very same Padraig Beggy who is in charge of Vatican City. Can lightning strike twice?

A couple of lightly-raced improving types deserve a mention. The Aga Khan’s Sinawann (by Kingman), schooled by Michael Halford, won a maiden last year before running quite well behind the much-touted Mogul(by Galileo) when runner-up in a Group 2 event. He is at 12 to 1. The maiden Fiscal Rules (by Make Believe) is clearly held in high esteem – he makes just the second start of his career. Given that he was just behind Wichita(by No Nay Never) at his sole appearance, and that the latter nearly won the QIPCO 2000 Guineas last week, the level of the form displayed by the Jim Bolger hope is clearly of a high order. One can multiply one’s investment 14 times should he turn up trumps. 

Arizona seems to have the best “each way” credentials, unless the field is guilty of “entertaining angels unaware”, to paraphrase a saying in the Bible.

Fifteen fillies have been declared in the one mile Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas on Saturday, June 13th, scheduled for 7:15 p.m. local (11:45 p.m. in India). The race bears a similar profile to the Irish 2000 Guineas the previous day in that there is a highly-rated runner facing off against a bunch of Coolmore hopefuls. Here the favourite at 15 to 8 is Albigna (by Zoffany) from the barn of Jessica Harrington based at Moone in Co. Kildare. Already a Group 1 winner, the chestnut is a female line descendant of Sex Appeal. With rider Shane Foley firing at 35% in the last couple of weeks, the Niarchos homebred looks poised to triumph.

Peaceful (by Galileo), at 3 to 1, and So Wonderful (by War Front) at 6 to 1 are the Ballydoyle residents that could upset the favourite’s apple cart. The former will be piloted by Seamie Heffernan and has the sensational sire Galileo in her corner. The latter, though apparently fully exposed as a maiden even after 8 starts, managed to finish third, just over a length behind Love in the Group 1 Moyglare Stakes last September, so could carry Wayne Lordan to victory should she improve a tad. 

Another Coolmore candidate for honours is Fancy Blue, a member of the same crop of Deep Impact three-year-olds as Japan Derby hero Contrail. Unbeaten from two starts, the half-sister to Track Supreme Stud’s stallion Smugglers Cove[IRE] (by Fastnet Rock) represents first-season trainer Donnacha O’Brien. Declan McDonogh has been engaged for the occasion astride the 11 to 2 chance.

Not wanting to be left out, Aidan O’Brien’s eldest son Joseph O’Brien, has pitched in New York Girl (by New Approach), from the same family as Manjri Stud’s Bangalore Oaks winner Athens (by Pioneerof The Nile). Apprentice Shane Cross takes the reins on the 14 to 1 prospect. A shade weaker in the betting market is the Aga Khan’s Ridenza, by Sea The Stars. The general public might feel that trainer Michael Halford is asking a lot from a once-raced (she won) filly. But then only he knows her true potential.

Unless one of the unknown quantities improves dramatically, Albigna should land the prize.