Winter is Coming

Aidan O’Brien AFTER THE HOTTEST week of the year so far, everything is set for a Winter warmer in the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh.

Aidan O’Brien’s filly attracted a pile of ante-post money in the build-up to the Newmarket Guineas, but it was still something of a surprise to see her prove good enough to beat stablemate Rhododendron.

A fair bit of debate raged afterwards as to how unlucky Rhododendron might, or might not, have been, as she did meet a little trouble in running. The suspicion was, though, that Winter would have won anyway, and they are probably just two very good fillies.

It will be a major surprise if Winter does not progress again.

Minding’s defection from the Tattersalls Gold Cup came as a shock, but Moonlight Magic can take full advantage.

With the star O’Brien filly having suffered a setback, this looks a good opportunity for Jim Bolger’s four-yearold, who should be much fitter than when she finished second in the Mooresbridge Stakes at Naas.

Jessica Harrington can claim the Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes with Red Label.

The three-year-old made a winning debut for Harrington at Gowran Park, having left Luca Cumani, and impressed in the way he saw out the race on soft ground that was possibly not totally to his liking.

He had only been with his new yard a month so should come on again, with better ground and another halffurlong looking sure to suit.

It might be dangerous to oppose Henryville in the feature race at Uttoxeter, the Clarke Chase.

The Harry Fry-trained nine-year-old is on a bit of a roll at present, winning a valuable event from Fox Norton at Cheltenham in April and following up off a 7lb higher mark at Newton Abbot.

A decent surface clearly suits and Fry was quick to nominate this contest after his latest win, giving hope he can defy another 6lb rise while he is in such good heart.

Beat That starts off over fences in the Signal 2 Beginners’ Chase.

Nicky Henderson’s nine-year-old has had lots of problems over the years, which is such a shame as he was a smart in his younger days, beating future World Hurdle hero Cole Harden in the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in 2014.

He had his first start since January 2015 at Sandown last month, running surprisingly well for a long way before understandably flagging.