Ballydoyle have seven of Guineas 15 Aidan O'Brien is responsible for seven of the 15 confirmations as he searches for an eighth victory in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday. The master of Ballydoyle has collected the one-mile Classic with the likes of Rock Of Gibraltar (2002), Henrythenavigator (2008) and last year with Roderic O'Connor. But with Newmarket 2000 Guineas winner Camelot bound for next month's Investec Derby at Epsom, O'Brien does not appear to have a stand-out Irish Guineas contender. Nephrite needs to bounce back after suffering an odds-on reverse on his seasonal reappearance, while Power was a Group One-winning two-year-old but never threatened behind Camelot at Newmarket. Crusade, Daddy Long Legs, Reply, Vault and beaten Derrinstown Derby Trial favourite Wrote complete the O'Brien team. Newmarket third Hermival is an interesting entry for French trainer Mikel Delzangles, while the fourth home, Trumpet Major, is a major contender for British champion trainer Richard Hannon. Dewhurst Stakes winner Parish Hall is on course to make his seasonal reappearance. John Oxx could saddle Newmarket disappointment Born To Sea and impressive recent course winner Takar. Cork scorer Speaking Of Which could be thrown in at the deep end by trainer Dermot Weld. Alkazim and Foxtrot Romeo complete the list of possible runners. Bookmakers Paddy Power have opened a market on the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas and go 5/1 Hermival, Power and Takar, 11/2 Parish Hall, 6/1 Born To See, 9/1 Crusade and Daddy Long Legs, 11/1 Nephrite, 12/1 Reply, 20/1 Wrote, 25/1 Speaking Of Which, 40/1 Bar.
