Followers of the American racing scene will know that Nyquist, the winner of the Kentucky Derby, yesterday failed to bring home the Triple Crown. The weather played a big part in the day’s proceedings, with heavy rain aiding Exaggerator to storm in front. Heavy ground not suiting Nyquist he only managed a third place. But, hey he’s had a great season and third place is not to be sniffed at.
Today’s racing in Ireland see’s this week’s Tattersalls 1000 Guineas at Curragh, where trainer Aidan O’Brien has ruled out Ballydoyle but put in a last minute substitute in the form of Minding. Minding impressively won at Newmarket last week by three and a half lengths over the same distance of one mile. There are fourteen runners and the ground is yielding to soft, which shouldn’t hamper Minding who came out of last week’s race in good shape. Ryan Moore is taking to the saddle again to notch up another guineas win for O’Brien. Odds are poor as Minding is the only real favourite at 2/7 with Coral.
The only other filly that may be in contention is Now or Never, ridden by Kieren Fallon, and trained by Michael O’Callaghan. Last time out she won the 1000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown, so Fallen and O’Callaghan are both pleased with her and confident she can replicate her form from that day. Odds on Now or Never today are 8/1 with Paddy Power.
All other horses’ odds are in double figures today, that’s how sure the bookies are that Minding is going to get past the post first.
Also running at the Curragh today is the Tattersalls Gold Cup at 3.40, which could be classed as the feature race, had it not been for Minding being entered in the Guineas, now all talk is of that race. In favourite spot is Found, another O’Brien trained horse, in great form after Mooresbridge Stakes, but there are eight runners today and the ground may not suit Found. It may however, suit Fascinating Rock who is the favourite with some bookies. Odds are Found 4/6 with Coral and Fascinating Rock 5/2 with Ladbrokes. The Grey Gatsby is third favourite with odds of 7/1 with William Hill.
As ever good Luck and get those early odds.