Washington presides as 2000 Guineas jolly
The Ballydoyle trainer has been successful in the colts’ Classic with Footstepsinthesand last year, Rock of Gibraltar (2002) and King of Kings (1998).
However, his stable has yet to hit top gear this season and totesport believe this should be of concern to ante-post punters.
Spokesman Damian Walker said: “Ante-post supporters of George Washington have got to be worried by the poor showing of the O’Brien stable after high-profile defeats for his Abraham Lincoln and Hurricane Cat at the Curragh.”
O’Brien has a team of five among 18 horses left in the Newmarket Group One over the NatWest Rowley Mile at the five-day confirmation stage.
Johnny Murtagh, who won the race on Rock of Gibraltar for O’Brien, has again been called up by the trainer, for whom Kieren Fallon will have first choice.
“I’m not sure what I’ll be on as they haven’t got their riding plans finalised yet but a second string for Aidan is nearly as good as a first string for anybody else,” Murtagh told At The Races.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’ve done it before. I’ve won the Guineas before for them so I hope I can do it again.
“He’s got Horatio Nelson and the favourite in it as well. I’m not sure what I’m riding I’m just looking forward to it. Whatever I ride it will be a good ride.”
The Ballydoyle trainer has withdrawn Art Museum but has also left in Amadeus Mozart, Frost Giant, James Joyce and Horatio Nelson along with the National Stakes winner.
Horatio Nelson lost his unbeaten record by a neck to 2000 Guineas rival Sir Percy in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket last October.
Barry Hills has three possibles in Red Clubs, Killybegs and Olympian Odyssey while Godolphin will rely on Opera Cape having taken out Racing Post Trophy winner Palace Episode.
Amadeus Wolf, who provided trainer Kevin Ryan with his first Group One success in last season’s Middle Park Stakes, along with Bryan Smart’s Free Handicap winner Misu Bond are set to represent northern interests in the race.
Smart reports Misu Bond to have benefited from his victory over seven furlongs at Newmarket two weeks ago.
“He’s come on for the run which is great and I’m over the moon with him,” said the Thirsk trainer.
“He did a nice piece of work on Friday and will have his final spin tomorrow.
“If they get a few showers it won’t worry me. He’s won on good, fast ground and it was a very fast time when he won over six at Redcar so he shouldn’t be too bothered.
“I’m glad I’ve got a run into him because I think you need to be on your mettle.
“He’s come out of the race well and I’m very excited about him.”
Connections of Asset believe the Richard Hannon-trained colt has genuine each-way claims.
The son of Marju, owned by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing XXVI, staked his claim with an emphatic victory in the Easter Stakes at Kempton.
“He’s very well and we’re very excited. We hope that the ground will remain as quick as possible,” said Highclere’s racing manager Harry Herbert.
“He wants good or faster ground. There’s a bit of rain probably today but not a lot for the rest of the week.
“Touch wood, ground conditions should be OK for him and we’re going there with great excitement and to have a runner with a legitimate each-way chance in a race like this is what it’s all about.
“He worked very impressively last week with Richard Hughes on board and the trainer is very happy with him. The horse looks fit and well and on good terms with himself.
“We know we have got some top-class opposition to beat if we are to be knocking on the door but he seems in great form and we truly believe he deserves to take his place.”
The ground at Newmarket was described as good following 10 millimetres of rain.
Clerk of the course Michael Prosser said: “It’s a beautiful racing surface out there now after today’s rain.
“Given the likelihood of thundery showers at the end of the week, we have no intention to water the ground.”
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Stan James: 2-1 George Washington, 7-2 Sir Percy, 6-1 Amadeus Wolf, 13-2 Horatio Nelson, 12-1 Asset, 16-1 Opera Cape, Killybegs, 20-1 Bar.
