Steinbeck leads Curragh charge

Steinbeck heads a six-strong team from the Aidan O’Brien stable in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday.

The lightly-raced colt is drawn six of the 13 runners, the same stall occupied by Mastercrasftsman who gave O’Brien a sixth success in the Classic 12 months ago.

The Ballydoyle trainer has also declared Fencing Master, Dynasty, Encompassing, Purple Heart and Viscount Nelson.

However, he has withdrawn Jan Vermeer, Air Chief Marshal and Fighting Brave.

Canford Cliffs heads a strong British presence as the Newmarket 2000 Guineas third bids to give trainer Richard Hannon a third victory in this race.

The Clive Cox-trained Xtension, who was fourth at Newmarket, and Ralph Beckett’s Oasis Dancer, complete the English challenge.

Jon Oxx has left in Keredari while Tommy Stack runs Noll Wallop. Jim Bolger’s Free Judgement and Sebastian Flyte, trained by Frank Ennis, complete the field.