Swallow can soar in 2000 Guineas
In theory, Dermot Weld's colt shouldn't beat John Oxx's Azamour, who was a place and a length in front of him at Newmarket.
The fact that it was Azamour's first outing of the campaign Grey Swallow had the benefit of a prep-run is something that also has to be taken very much into consideration.
But one is swayed by indications Grey Swallow has thrived in the meantime, while Azamour has been the subject of less than up-beat reports!
Grey Swallow has a touch of brilliance, as he showed when winning in a canter at Galway and Leopardstown last season.
He made a satisfactory return, giving Meath 5lbs and a head beating at Leopardstown. Master trainer Weld was then pessimistic regarding his prospects at Newmarket, believing the race was, possibly, coming too soon after Leopardstown.
Nevertheless, Grey Swallow ran solidly, after being slowly away, to finish just under four lengths adrift of Haafhd.
Azamour, a tough two-year-old, ran a smashing race, considering he was stepping well up in class. He came home really well and the Curragh appeared tailor-made for him. But negative word this week about his recent homework makes him opposable!
Gary Stevens can team-up with Michael Stoute's Arakan to land the nap in the Wetherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes.
Arakan, a very progressive sort, was in better class than this when third to Monsieur Bond and Steenberg in a Group Two at York last time.
Aidan O'Brien's Russian Blue, easy winner of both his races to date, has looked the best juvenile seen so far and is expected to confirm such thinking in the Isabel Morris Marble Hill Stakes.
At the Curragh tomorrow, Attraction, who may well be vulnerable over this stiff mile, is readily opposed in the Boylesports Irish 1000 Guineas. She is, of course, an admirable filly, who showed she is a lot more than just a sprinter with a gutsy display to take the English 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Secret Charm, back in fifth spot that day, may get to grips with Mark Johnston's star on this occasion. Barry Hills' charge, impressive when scoring twice last year, had a nightmare run through the race, but was noted doing all her best work at the end.
Globe-trotting Sulamani, runner-up behind Alamshar in the King George at Ascot, can justify likely cramped odds in the Group One Tattersalls Gold Cup.
Meath and Cairdeas promise a fascinating tussle in the Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes. Cairdeas has supposedly come in for real support for the Epsom Derby, on the back of an easy success in a Naas maiden.
Dermot Weld has spoken highly of the colt, but he still has to prove himself on the track and preference is for Meath, beaten by D'Anjou over a mile at Leopardstown last time and crying out for ten furlongs.
Ebaziyan, a costly failure when going down to stable companion, The Last Hurrah, at Leopardstown is napped to set the record straight in the Boylesports Money Back Specials Maiden.
