Irish Express Guineas bound

It’s been 23 years since Tartan Tights won the 1000 Guineas at Riccarton but Ellis Winsloe still remembers much more than just the moment of Group I glory.

The Gore trainer vividly recalls the path plotted towards the Guineas by his late father, Ted Winsloe, when he trained Tartan Tights to a famous Guineas victory and he will look to repeat the successful blueprint in 2017.

Winsloe’s smart two-year-old Irish Express remains unbeaten from two starts and the astute horseman has seen enough to know what should come next.

Irish Express will likely be turned out following his victory at Riccarton on Saturday before returning for a 2000 Guineas preparation that will likely include the main lead up races at Riccarton and Ashburton.

‘‘He won all his jumpouts on a firm track so we’d like to bring him back here because it would be great to have a go at the Guineas,’’ Winsloe said.

He has always held a high opinion of Irish Express but was not initially sure he would make it at two because of his considerable size. But just like Tartan Tights all those years ago, Winsloe wanted to give the gelding a late two-year-old preparation with a short break before returning at three.

Much has changed in the last 23 years but then much has stayed the same too. Chris Johnson, who rode Tartan Tights to Group I wins in the Guineas and New Zealand Oaks, is still riding winners for the Winsloe’s.

Johnson’s ride was a major factor on Saturday as he nursed the exciting galloper down the straight before letting him go late.

There was no reason to doubt commentator Mark McNamara at the 200m mark when he said ‘‘at the moment the favourite’s got too much do to’’.

But under the urgings of Johnson, the $1.50 favourite bounded home to make up multiple lengths and beat another impressive performer in Ajay Tee by a neck.

Irish Express has scored both of his wins ploughing through heavy 11 tracks but Winsloe is confident he will be better on top of the ground.

‘‘He’s always had plenty of speed but I don’t think he likes the wet tracks that much,’’ Winsloe said.

‘‘Chris got off him and said he wasn’t handling it that well.’’

Winsloe is also confident he will have a more polished article on his hands come November.

‘‘He’s still a little bit green and he’s got plenty of filling out to do yet.’’

Winsloe races the exciting galloper with Grant and Roy Copland, Peter Grant and Mike Millard.