Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
FISCAL POLICY
Rules makes Guineas financial sense
THE once-raced Fiscal Rules is an each-way alternative to favourite Siskin and the Ballydoyle battalions in this evening’s Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.
It’s probably ambitious siding with the maiden, bidding to give Jim Bolger a first win in the Irish 2,000 Guineas.
But the son of Make Believe shaped with plenty of promise on his sole juvenile start, in a seven-furlong maiden at the Curragh last August.
On that occasion the Coolcullen colt travelled strongly, looked a likely winner but, ultimately, went down by a head to the Ballydoyle colt Wichita.
It may be misleading to take that form at face value.
But Wichita ran a tremendous race in last week’s Qipco 2,000 Guineas, mastering hot-pot Pinatubo before being claimed close home by Kameko, winner of the Vertem Futurity (Group 1) last autumn.
Presumably, Fiscal Rules has had some issues since we saw him last summer. But he looks a fascinating contender here, despite his inexperience. And I can see him finishing in the shake-up, at a nice price.
Siskin, unbeaten in four starts as a juvenile, including the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes, before being withdrawn at the start of the Middle Park, undoubtedly sets the standard as he attempts to give Ger Lyons and Colin Keane a first classic success.
The Juddmonte-owned, 114-rated First Defence colt, who proved superior to Aidan O’brien’s, inset, Monarch Of Egypt twice last year, is reportedly in fine fettle and looks the one to beat. But, having never raced beyond six furlongs, he must prove his stamina over this demanding mile.
And the Guineas promises to prove a proper test with O’brien, seeking a 12th victory in the race, adding six of the 11 runners, which virtually guarantees a strong pace.
Three of the Ballydoyle colts are rated within 4lb of Siskin – Armory, Monarch Of Egypt and Royal Lytham.
But it may be significant Seamus Heffernan will be on board Lope Y Fernandez, winner of the Group 3 Round Tower at this venue and placed twice behind Pinatubo.
Of the others, I like Armory, winner of a Curragh maiden, the Tyros at Leopardstown and the Group 2 Futurity before being blow away by Pinatubo in the National Stakes and filling third spot in the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-cloud.
While Michael Halford runs the unexposed Curragh maiden winner Sinawann.