WINTER LOOKS SO HOT

O’brien’s star can produce a Classic victory

WINTER can head a Group 1 double for Aidan O’brien by landing the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh this afternoon.

In just two starts this season, the Galileo filly has emerged as one of her trainer’s star three-year-olds.

The striking grey returned with a fine effort in defeat behind Hydrangea at Leopardstown, before then dominating the English 1000 Guineas.

On that occasion Winter accounted for stablemate Rhododendron, who didn’t enjoy the smoothest of runs through the race.

However, the winner still looked the best filly on the day and was in control of the race from some way out. There is every reason to believe that she could progress again after just five career outings and her form makes her the clear choice for this contest.

At Newmarket, Hydrangea didn’t run to anything like her best. If she comes back to form she will present the favourite with a stern test.

A similar comment applies to the Moyglare Stakes heroine Intricately, who failed to give her running in the English 1000 Guineas.

Also worth a mention is Rehana, who warmed up for this with a smooth victory in the Group 3 Athasi Stakes at Naas.

Earlier on the card, Aidan O’brien launches a threestrong challenge for the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup. Unfortunately the trainer has been forced to rule out the red-hot favourite Minding, but Deauville and Somehow are very capable deputies.

Somehow has been kept busy lately and this is her fourth run in as many weeks.

She possibly found a mile a little on the sharp side when having to settle for fourth in last weekend’s Lockinge Stakes.

However, prior to that she dominated a Group 2 contest at Newmarket and the step up to this longer trip will suit her well.

On form and ratings she appeals as a strong contender and she is preferred to the English challenger Decorated Knight. That one was successful at Group 1 level in Dubai earlier this year and he has almost nothing to find on his best form.

In the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes, Red Label is taken to follow up his victory at Gowran last month.

On that occasion the English recruit won a conditions race in good style when he accounted for a couple of highly-rated rivals.

There should be more to come from Jessica Harrington’s charge, who won’t have any trouble switching back to a sound surface.

Commander Grigio didn’t enjoy the best of runs on his debut, but still shaped up nicely. He has to take on some well-bred sorts in the opener, but could still be the answer under Chris Hayes.