3:40 Curragh Tips

Excellent performance in the English version, pulling a long way clear of the 2nd. Best form here by miles and the one to beat.

I'm not convinced odds-on favourite Gstaad gets a true mile, so I'm looking elsewhere for value. That value comes from a stable very close to my home: the Godolphin-trained Distant Storm, who runs in first-time cheekpieces.

The 3yo colt could be underestimated in this Irish 2000 Guineas. He has 3 wins from 4 and was a Group 3 winner on his return last month, making all and never really in trouble during the final furlong. He should improve for the run. He had the 118-rated Zavateri in second that day, and that one beat today's favourite, Gstaad, in a Group 1 contest last Sept.

The short-priced Aidan O'Brien favourite is to be taken on with Amo Racing's Power Blue. The owners have reportedly taken all the runners from Robson Aguiar's yard, so it would be more than slightly ironic if he trained the winner of the first Irish classic of the season. The horse has been ultra-consistent to date, except for last time out when he was 7th of 14 in the English equivalent and could have been unsuited to the draw. Better should be expected back on home turf, and he could be staying on at the finish to spring a surprise. Worth chancing that they are better than they showed last time out.

Gstaad is all the rage here, and he will probably win. I am taking a chance on Go Just Do It, trained by J. P. O'Brien. This one has only ever won a maiden at Gowran, but he was pitched into a Group 3 on his second start as a 2-year-old, so they must think a lot of him.

Gstaad should win this, but if he has an off day then the race looks wide open. I wouldn't be surprised if this colt from the Charlie Appleby yard can keep improving. Finished a 4l fourth behind 2000 Guineas winner Bow Echo in the Royal Lodge as a 2yo.

Went into my notebook after finishing 2nd at Gowran Park earlier this month and made up lots of ground despite running around and looking green. I didn't expect his next race to be in the Irish 2000 Guineas, but he still has an each-way chance and Colin Keane takes over the ride.