Gold leads field for 2,000 Guineas
The three-year-old came from the rear to fill the runner-up spot behind the brilliant Frankel in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and is favourite to go one place better this weekend.
The Kevin Prendergast trained Dunboyne Express heads the home team having impressed in a Guineas trial at Leopardstown in March, while Aidan O’Brien saddles High Ruler, Oracle and Roderic O’Connor.
Stan Moore’s Newmarket fourth Slim Shadey joins Dubawi Gold on the trip from Britain, while Zabarajad and Foolproof complete the line-up.
Although Dubawi Gold remains at the head of the betting with Paddy Power, the leading bookmaker reports Dunboyne Express as the best backed runner.
“Dubawi Gold has drifted all week and punters are clearly taking the view that he was flattered behind Frankel in an unusually run race,” said Power.
“But have they got it wrong as Richard Hughes reportedly told connections that ’he would have won on the bit’ without Frankel in the contest?”
Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas, Paddy Power bet: 7-4 Dubawi Gold, 9-4 Dunboyne Express, 3-1 Roderic O’Connor, 7-1 Zabarajad, 20-1 Slim Shadey, 25-1 Bar
