O'Brien pair head straight to Guineas

Aidan O’Brien has revealed that his Guineas hopes George Washington and Rumplestiltskin will go to Newmarket without the aid of a run.

Speaking at the annual Flat Awards luncheon, where the Ballydoyle handler picked up the champion trainer award for last season he said:

“George Washington and Rumplestiltskin won’t have any prep races but hopefully we’ll get them to The Curragh to work after racing on the day of the Gladness Stakes, April 9.”

“Hopefully the ground will be okay then and at the moment that is the plan if Paul [Hensey, Curragh manager] allows us!”

George Washington won four of his five starts last year including two at the highest level while Rumplestiltskin has five victories to her name, including Group 1 successes in the Moyglare and Prix Marcel Boussac.

O’Brien told the audience: “All have wintered well and are in good form and have put on plenty of weight. They’re forward in their coats and probably 75% fit,” reported the Racing Post.

George Washington heads the betting for the 2000 Guineas at 5-2 while Rumplestiltskin is favourite for the 1000 Guineas at 4-1.