Quality action ahead in Irish Classics at the Curragh The Curragh hosts the first Classic races of the Irish Flat season this weekend in what promises to be a spell-binding few days of action. Twelve colts remain in Saturday’s Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas with English 2,000 Guineas second Hi Royal set to make the trip over for northern trainer Kevin Ryan. The third and fourth placed horses from Newmarket’s edition, Royal Scotsman, who was supplemented by Paul and Oliver Cole and the Charles Hill-trained Galeron are also set to take their chances on Saturday as they aim for Classic glory as will the Roger Varian-trained Charyn who finished 8th. Simon and Ed Crisford may add further British interest with Group 3 winner Knight. Aidan O’Brien will bid to land his first Irish 2,000 Guineas since Churchill in 2017 with his possible runners including, Age Of Kings, Cairo and Paddington. Donnacha O’Brien didn’t manage to add the Irish 2,000 Guineas to his prizes as a jockey, but he saddles big hope Proud And Regal. Bold Discovery and Quar Shamar are in the mix to give Jessica Harrington further Classic success, while the Luke Comer-trained Alexander John completes the 12 entries. The Aidan O’Brien-trained Jackie Oh has been supplemented for the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas to join stable companions Dower House, Never Ending Story and last season’s Royal Ascot and Breeders’ Cup winner Meditate. Dermot Weld won last year’s renewal of the 1,000 Guineas with Homeless Songs and the master of Rosewell House is still doubly represented with Newmarket 1,000 Guineas runner-up Tahiyra and also Tarawa. Weld, who has broken so many records throughout his illustrious training career, is now bidding to provide His Highness Aga Khan with a first win in the Irish 1,000 Guineas. "We'll make a decision about Tahiyra in the next day or two but she's most likely to run,” Weld reported on Tuesday afternoon. "It's just like any other horse, you just want to check all the parameters out and if we're happy with everything when the time comes, she runs. And right now, she's most likely to run. "The same applies with Tarawa. A decision will be made on her, if not tomorrow, then on Thursday but she's quite a possibility to run as well. "We're very happy with both fillies," Weld added. Course and distance winner Aspen Grove is one of two entries for trainer Fozzy Stack who may also saddle You Send Me as he bids for the biggest victory of his training career. Overseas runners are likely throughout Sunday’s card with the John Quinn-trained Breege the sole British-trained runner in Sunday’s feature. Jim Bolger will seek a first Irish 1,000 Guineas victory since Pleascach in 2015 with Comhra, while Jessica Harrington’s Moyglare Stud-owned Eternal Silence completes the 11 acceptors for the second Classic of the weekend.
