Albert Einstein main Curragh attraction on surprise return after 307 days off track

He makes a return to action in the 1xBet.ie Gladness Stakes at the Curragh

Albert Einstein has been declared to make his eagerly-anticipated return to action in the 1xBet.ie Supports Irish Racing Gladness Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday. Pic: Niall Carson/PA

Off the track for 307 days, Betfred 2,000 Guineas favourite Albert Einstein will be the focus of attention when he makes a surprise return to action in today’s 1xBet.ie Gladness Stakes at the Curragh.

The unbeaten son of Wootton Bassett has been highly-regarded since last spring, went unbeaten in two juvenile starts before sustaining a setback and, despite recent suggestions that he’d head straight to Newmarket for his Guineas bid, he’s now set to tackle this seven-furlong trial in testing conditions.

Successful at Naas and the Curragh, where he beat subsequent Keeneland Phoenix Stakes victor Power Blue in the Group 3 ‘Marble Hill’, Albert Einstein was all the rage for Royal Ascot 2025 before being injured.

Fully recovered and reportedly working well in recent weeks, he’s been described as “very rapid’ by his trainer, causing doubts over his ability to stay a mile.

And we should get a better idea of his staying power today, when Ryan Moore will, presumably, be instructed to get him settled and relaxed before delivering his challenge.

In a race which, historically, favours the older horses, Albert Einstein is no more than a tentative choice to make a successful return to action, at the probable expense of British raider Ten Bob Tony, a Group 3 winner last season and a creditable third in the Group 1 ‘Foret’ at Longchamp last October.

On a supporting card which includes three maidens, Ballydoyle colt George Stubbs, a son of Camelot, who holds Derby entries, should be noted in the ten-furlong Final Furlong Podcast At 1xBet.ie Maiden.

Trained by Martin Hassett, Dmaniac impressed when recording his second six-furlong success on this track at the season’s opening meeting.

And he’ll be expected to defy a 7lb. hike in today’s Your Game, Your Odds, Your 1xBet.ie Handicap, despite dropping back to five furlongs.

Later, the Henry de Bromhead-trained Factual Fact, who has graduated from bumpers and was beaten a nose by Switch From Diesel in a course and distance maiden last November, might take advantage of a mark of 77 on his handicap debut in the McDonnell’s Bar Handicap.

Tomorrow is Randox Ulster National day in Downpatrick. And, although unproven over this extreme distance, the Gordon Elliott-trained Slanagaibhgoleir should reward each-way support.

A winner at Down Royal over Christmas, he failed narrowly to another McManus-owned gelding Raglan Road at that venue last time.

This step-up in trip and Josh Williamson’s 5lb. claim will help his cause in a field which includes two Closutton hopefuls, Uncle Pat and Fishery Lane, both bidding for a chasing breakthrough.

Selections for Curragh (Saturday) 

1.25 Closely 

1.55 Dmaniac (n.b.) 

2.30 Factual Fact (Nap) 

3.05 Albert Einstein 

3.40 Zenford 

4.15 Annie’s Angel 

4.50 George Stubbs 

5.25 Mickey The Steel 

Next Best 

1.25 Slaney View 

1.55 Stag Night 

2.30 Nancee Spain 

3.05 Ten Bob Tony 

3.40 Loch Gamhna 

4.15 Inventress 

4.50 Shaihaan 

5.25 Royal Impact 

Selections for Downpatrick (Sunday) 

2.07 He Can’t Dance 

2.42 Coppola 

3.17 Coolboy Chisty 

3.52 Lough NIgara (n.b.)

4.27 Slanagaibhgoleir 

5.00 Karafon 

5.30 Magic Sadler (Nap) 

Next Best 

2.07 Gunnery Sergeant 

2.42 Let’s Go Mans 

3.17 Dairy Force 

3.52 John Storey 

4.27 Uncle Pat 

4.52 Find A Fortune 

5.30 Cause For Comment