Big guns stand Guineas ground

RACING: BRIAN MEEHAN’S Craven Stakes winner Delegator is among 19 entries for the stanjames

RACING:BRIAN MEEHAN'S Craven Stakes winner Delegator is among 19 entries for the stanjames.com 2,000 Guineas at the latest forfeit stage. The Dansili colt leapt to the head of the market for the season's first Classic following his hugely impressive victory at Newmarket last week but is sure to face a stern test back on the Rowley Mile on May 2nd.

Aidan O’Brien has a very strong hand with Mastercraftsman and Rip Van Winkle occupying two of the top three places in the betting, while the Coolmore handler has also left in Born To Be King, Grand Ducal, Set Sail and Westphalia. Jim Bolger could run Gan Amhras and Intense Focus, while John Oxx has Arazan and Sea The Stars in the strong Irish challenge.

The Godolphin team could be represented by Ashram and Shaweel while Cityscape, Evasive, French ace Naaqoos and Lord Shanakill are all among the possibles at this stage.

  • Fantasia and Rainbow View are among the 26 possibles for the stanjames.com 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket following its forfeit stage. Both fillies are now owned by George Strawbridge and connections have said they are unlikely to clash on the Rowley Mile on May 3th, with Fantasia a possible for the French equivalent instead. Jim Bolger has left in Cuis Ghaire, Maoineach and Oh Goodness Me, while Heart Shaped represents Aidan O'Brien.

Kevin Prendergast’s Shimah is not without a chance either.