Swallow on course for Classic flight

Dermot Weld reports his leading Classic hope Grey Swallow bang on target for the UltimateBet.com 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in May.

Weld, in relaxed mood on a press day at his Rosewell House stables on the Curragh yesterday, said: “He has grown and lengthened over the winter and I am extremely happy with him.

“He has matured both mentally and physically and while he has not been asked to do any serious work, I am very pleased with the little bits he has done.”

No decision has been taken as yet on whether the son of Daylami will have a prep race for the Newmarket Classic on May 1.

Weld added: “The Irish Guineas Trial at Leopardstown is the ideal race, but whereas it was three weeks before Newmarket in the calendar last season, there are only two weeks between the races this time.”

Grey Swallow was unbeaten in two runs last season, winning a Galway maiden by 10 lengths before stepping up in class to beat Newton eight lengths in the Group Three Killavullen Stakes at Leopardstown.

He is currently second favourite for the 2000 Guineas behind One Cool Cat and is trading at a best-priced 6-1.

Weld watched with his son Chris as two dozen of his three-year-olds and older horses were put through their paces over nine furlongs on the Old Vic all-weather gallop.

Grey Swallow was partnered in his work by stable jockey Pat Smullen.