All eyes on the Guineas for Galileo Gold

Connections of Galileo Gold are far from expecting a penalty kick in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas after trainer Hugo Palmer conclusively ruled the colt out of the Investec Derby.

The son of Paco Boy is likely to be sent off a short price for the Curragh Classic after his superb victory in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

But Palmer is taking nothing for granted, and still has the utmost respect for Aidan O'Brien's string, spearheaded by Newmarket flop Air Force Blue.

He said: "You clearly write off any of Aidan's horses at your peril - and he has brought back the likes of Roderic O'Connor and Power to win this race after disappointing at Newmarket - but if Galileo Gold runs the same race as he ran in the Guineas, then the others have to pick up their game to beat him."

Palmer added in his blog on Betfair that he did not want to "create a false impression" by leaving Galileo Gold in the Derby at the latest forfeit stage.

And after having spoken to his owner Sheikh Joaan Al Thani of Al Shaqab Racing, he will instead stick to a mile in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood - should all go to plan at the Curragh.

Harry Herbert, racing manager for Al Shaqab, believes Galileo Gold could have improved a little from Newmarket.

He said: "We would like to think that having won the Guineas on his first run of the year, he is still progressing. This is a Guineas, though, and it is not going to be easy. Air Force Blue could have put whatever stopped him running his race at Newmarket behind him and he would be a real rival.

"Newmarket was too bad to be true and we have the utmost respect for Aidan and his team. We've seen horses of theirs bounce back from bad runs before - Aidan is just a genius.

"But we can't worry about anyone else, we just have to concentrate on our horse.

"I can't see the trip to Ireland being a problem. He travelled to France last year and ran a great race to be third so I don't think that will be anything to worry about.

"The track should suit him - a stiff mile will be right up his street - and hopefully he can win another Guineas.

"It was fantastic to get a first Classic win - don't think the excitement has dribbled away, we are all still pretty pumped about it. If you are involved in racing, in whatever form, to win a Classic is just a dream. It was a very, very special moment for all involved."