Dunboyne popular for Guineas Dunboyne Express has come in for support as the final field of eight was revealed today for Saturday's Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh. The Kevin Prendergast-trained colt won the Guineas trial at Leopardstown on his return to action and leads the home team. Aidan O'Brien saddles three in the first Irish classic with High Ruler, Oracle and Roderic O'Connor engaged for Ballydoyle. Richard Hannon's Dubawi Gold is currently favourite for the race after the three-year-old came from the rear to fill the runner-up spot behind Frankel in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Stan Moore's Newmarket fourth Slim Shadey joins Dubawi Gold on the trip from Britain, while Zabarajad and Foolproof complete the line-up. Although Dubawi Gold remains at the head of the betting with Paddy Power, the bookmaker reports Dunboyne Express as the best backed runner. "Dubawi Gold has drifted all week and punters are clearly taking the view that he was flattered behind Frankel in an unusually run race," said Power. "But have they got it wrong as Richard Hughes reportedly told connections that 'he would have won on the bit' without Frankel in the contest?" Paddy Power bet: 7-4 Dubawi Gold, 9-4 Dunboyne Express, 3-1 Roderic O'Connor, 7-1 Zabarajad, 20-1 Slim Shadey, 25-1 High Ruler, Oracle, 200-1 Foolproof.
