3:40 Curragh Tips

Field of Gold has looked an improved horse at three, and after bolting up very impressively in the Craven Stakes, he then went on to be a fast-finishing second in the 2000 Guineas, when possibly given a bit too much to do. He has had a three-week break, so he should be fresh enough for this. New jockey Colin Keane takes over the ride, and he is highly rated in Ireland.

The Irish 2000 Guineas looks to be between the two Juddmonte-owned, English-trained horses. It could go to the less exposed, unbeaten Cosmic Year, especially as Field Of Gold is drawn on the outside and may have to fight his way from the rear of the field again. He may have trouble in running at the Curragh.

Officer lines up in the 15:40 Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas (Group 1) at Curragh, a 1-mile contest on good to firm ground. Trained by Aidan O'Brien, this 3-year-old colt by Dubawi carries a rating of 108 into this competitive field. In his most recent outing on May 5 at Curragh, Officer secured a victory in a 1-mile race on good ground, demonstrating his capability at this distance and surface. Prior to that, he finished third over 7 furlongs at Curragh on March 29, showing promise against strong competition. Officer's pedigree suggests a strong aptitude for middle distances, and his recent performances indicate he's maintaining his form. With the going at Curragh expected to be good to firm, conditions should suit him well. Considering his recent form and experience at this level, Officer presents as an appealing each-way proposition at likely generous odds.

With the bookies having this as a straight shootout between the Juddmonte pair, this race has an interesting each way shape about it. They could well be right, and Windlord looks a possible pacemaker as well, but I was minded to chance Hotazhell here who is placed 3rd in the market. A gritty Group 1 Futurity winner, he evidently wants plenty more rain, but on the bare form he’s closely matched with the favorite here having beaten Wimbledon Hawkeye a similar distance. He was arguably value for more as well given the barging match he got into with Delacroix. His cozy course and distance win was won in a time that would have won the most recent 4 of 5 runnings of this on the forecast going, and noting that was in a small field too so can perhaps be marked up even more. With entries over further he could just prove hard to pick up if able to force the pace, and he looks well worth a play.

Posted strong form when runner-up on return, with the winner going on to finish second in the French Guineas. Should improve for the outing and looks a strong candidate if staying the new trip.

Windlord is the big outsider of 2 runners for Juddmonte. All known form does not have a chance of winning, but he could easily be a pacemaker who runs better than the price suggests. EW punt.

Looked good when only beaten less than a length behind the French Guineas winner. Could stay the new trip and would be in the frame if taking a step forward from her return.