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| Staff Writer |
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An enthusiastic Richard Hannon expressed his delight at Rosallion's impressive performance during a recent workout, in preparation for the upcoming Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh this Saturday. The Newmarket runner-up may face tough competition from a strong Ballydoyle contingent, which might even include the Poule d'Essai des Poulains beaten favorite, Henry Longfellow.
Henry Longfellow's disappointing showing in the French 2,000 Guineas at Longchamp did not deter his potential participation in the first Irish Classic of the season, as his name was among the 11 listed at the Tuesday's five-day forfeit stage. Trainer Aidan O'Brien acknowledged that the race serves as a plan B for the son of Dubawi.
Despite seeking a record-extending 13th victory in Saturday's mile showpiece, O'Brien faces a formidable challenge with the presence of 2,000 Guineas runner-up Rosallion, who has been established as the 10-11 favorite with Ladbrokes.
Sean Levey will continue to ride Rosallion, while Jamie Spencer has been called up to ride Newmarket third Haatem in place of James Doyle, as he aims to secure his second Irish 2,000 Guineas win.
Hannon said, "Jamie Spencer will ride Haatem. He's experienced over there and he's a top jockey so we're delighted to get him. James has got rides for Wathnan [Racing]. Haatem put in a great run at Newmarket and goes there with a very good chance. The track will suit him and he's as tough as you get. He's got every chance.
"Rosallion is in great form. I'm really happy with both of them, they did a piece of work on Sunday morning and Rosallion travelled like a genius, and Haatem did what he normally does. He's very relaxed and just shows his wellbeing."
Henry Longfellow being included in the list of 11 came as a surprise, and O'Brien mentioned that he is currently an unlikely runner. However, a wet forecast later in the week could potentially change that.
O'Brien also noted that the plans for his Curragh team, which include Unquestionable, River Tiber, and Mountain Bear, are not set in stone due to the uncertain forecast. He acknowledged that the high chance of rain could lead to changes in their plans.
O'Brien said of his Curragh team, "Nothing is written in stone and you never know what will happen with the way the forecast is. The plan is for Unquestionable, River Tiber and Mountain Bear to run. That's the way we're thinking, but there is a lot of rain forecast so that could change.
"There is a chance Henry Longfellow could come out again, but it's not plan A. Plan A is to go straight to the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
"River Tiber is a fast horse and we have it in our heads that he could come back in trip for the Commonwealth Cup after this. He's got loads of speed."
O'Brien expressed significant concern about Unquestionable. The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf champion has odds of 6-1 with Ladbrokes, but the experienced trainer stated that the horse will not be in top form on Saturday.
He admitted, "Unquestionable had a setback about four weeks ago and because of that he's going to need the run badly in the Guineas, so he will improve a lot for it, but we feel we need to get a run into him for him to go to Ascot. You would imagine he is going to improve a lot after this run."
Paddington won the Tetrarch Stakes on the way to victory in the Irish 2,000 Guineas last year. Bright Stripes, trained by Andrew Oliver, might try to achieve the same feat. Atlantic Coast and Take Me To Church are also in contention, trained by Joseph O'Brien and Jack Davison, respectively.
Opera Singer is one of 15 fillies competing in the upcoming Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas. The winner of last October's Prix Marcel Boussac by five lengths, along with Buttons, Everlasting, and Pearls And Rubies, are all entries from the O'Brien stable.
Fallen Angel, trained by Karl Burke, is one of two British-trained fillies expected to compete, along with Skellet from Ralph Beckett's stable, following a disappointing performance in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Auguste Rodin, last year's Derby winner, is one of 11 entries for the Group One Tattersalls Gold Cup (3.10).