McDonogh to ride Lahaleeb in Irish 1,000 Guineas

Declan McDonogh will take the mount on the Mick Channon-trained Lahaleeb in the Boylesports.com Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh on Sunday.

Ryan Moore was originally pencilled in for the mount, which became available after Darryll Holland failed in his appeal against a 21-day ban incurred at Warwick on May 9.

However, an apparent change of running plans for Moore's boss Sir Michael Stoute means he will not now be available.

Speaking on his website www.mickchannon.tv yesterday evening, the Lambourn trainer explained, 'Ryan Moore had been booked to take the ride as he was on duty at the Curragh for Sir Michael Stoute, but the withdrawal of Tartan Bearer from the Tattersalls Gold Cup has understandably led to Moore remaining at home to ride for Sir Michael at Newmarket this weekend.'

'Despite the switch and the loss of Ryan's obvious talents, Declan is a more than suitable replacement. Obviously Declan's been Irish champion so it's not as if we're disappointed! Lahaleeb's far from a troublesome ride, Declan's a big-race rider and we are delighted that he's available.'

Lahaleeb, winner of the Fred Darling Stakes on her penultimate start, needs to banish a disappointing effort in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, where she finished 10th. Channon blamed the quick conditions for her no-show at Headquarters and expects an improved performance in Ireland at the weekend.

'Lahaleeb seems well in herself and delighted me in her work with Eva's Request (on Tuesday). I think it's fair to draw a line through the English Guineas form as the ground was much too quick and she couldn't let herself down on it. With any luck at all, we'll have more suitable conditions at the Curragh,' the West Ilsley handler said.

Lahaleeb is as low as 7-1 with Paddy Power, with the David Wachman-trained Again the 11-4 favourite with the same firm as speculation mounts that Johnny Murtagh will take the ride. Last season's Moyglare Stud Stakes winner is owned by Michael Tabor, a member of the powerful Coolmore team.

Paddy Power, spokesman for the bookmaker, said: 'It looks increasingly likely that Johnny Murtagh will ride Again on Sunday with Aidan O'Brien suggesting Heart Shaped may now not run.'

'The prospect of the mighty Murtagh being on top has definitely played a big part in punters siding with Again. That, and the fact that Again is a Group One winner who is proven in the sort of conditions we will see on Sunday. We have had some support for Super Sleuth and expect to see cash coming for Lahaleeb, who should appreciate the ground far more at the Curragh than she did when disappointing at Newmarket.'

Irish 1,000 Guineas. Paddy Power bet: 11-4 Again, 7-2 Super Sleuth, 4-1 Cuis Ghaire, 7-1 Heart Shaped, Lahaleeb, 12-1 Nashmiah, 14-1 Dance Pass, Love Bird, 16-1 Luminous Eyes, 20-1 Chintz, 25-1 bar.