Despite the presence of Minding (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) among 16 other horses left in the G1 Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas at The Curragh on Sunday, Aidan O'Brien looks more likely to rely on Ballydoyle (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) as his main contender for the race. “We have left Minding in the race but she is not a definite runner and it is possible that Ballydoyle might run instead of her,” O'Brien said. “Ballydoyle seems to be in good form and ran a blinder at Newmarket. Coolmore (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) could run as well and we think the Curragh and a mile will suit her and we could run something else, but we'll take a look later in the week,” added the trainer.
It could be a landmark weekend for trainer Michael O'Callaghan. He fields Blue De Vega (Ger) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) in Saturday's Classic and Now Or Never (Ire) (Bushranger {Ire}) on Sunday. Assuming Minding's absence Now Or Never is currently second favourite for the race following her impressive win in Leopardstown's G3 1000 Guineas Trial which subsequently saw her purchased by Qatar Racing. Adrian Keatley and the Equinegrowthpartners have made another brave decision to supplement their Jet Setting (Ire) (Fast Company {Ire}) at a cost of €30,000. It is the second Classic in a row that she has been supplemented for following her ninth placed effort in the G1 QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and her trainer commented, “We went ahead and supplemented, so hopefully it keeps up raining. We were always waiting on the weather and there's no going back now.” Jim Bolger has left in Turret Rocks (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). This filly ran a solid race when sixth to Minding at Newmarket and should be a major contender on Sunday.
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