John Oxx is hoping the weather doesn't put a dampener on his hopes for a Group One double at the Curragh on Sunday where Arch Swing is rated the principal danger to the favourite, Finsceal Beo, in the featured Boylesports Irish 1,000 Guineas.

Along with the unbeaten Danak, who is being targeted at the Tattersalls Gold Cup, Arch Swing's best form has been on quick conditions, and although the going at the Curragh is currently good to firm, Oxx will be anxiously examining the skies on Saturday night.

"All we can do is hope and pray there is no change, but they are talking about a band of rain on Saturday night and into Sunday morning," the local trainer said yesterday. "If it became proper soft ground then we would have to think again about not running Arch Swing, because I don't think she would deal with those conditions. If it turns up yielding or the soft side of good, I imagine we would let her take her chance, but it wouldn't be ideal."

Ironically, watering began at the Curragh yesterday on the round course and a decision will be taken this morning on whether water will be put on the straight track. "There is still the possibility of rain, but Met Éireann can't be more specific, so we will wait until the morning before making a decision on more updated information," said the course manager Paul Hensey.

However, even if Arch Swing gets her going on Sunday, she will still face a big task in trying to reverse Newmarket Guineas form with Finsceal Beo, and Oxx is not underestimating that job.

"Our filly has been in very good form and we're very happy with her," he said.

"The draw was a factor at Newmarket. I think we would have chased the winner up more if we had not been drawn wide, but I don't think we would have beaten her. It's very hard to know. Some horses like company. Others run quite happily on their own. But I would certainly hope there is a chance we can get closer this time."

Danak is scheduled to face the Irish Derby winner Dylan Thomas in the Tattersalls Gold Cup in what will be easily the hardest task of his career to date.

"He wouldn't like it soft either and he will also be going into very much unknown territory as regards trip," Oxx said. "It will be a mile and two and a half furlongs, so it will be all new to him.

"But he has done everything well up to now and this will tell us his place in the scheme of things. We will find out his level and where to look at for the rest of the season," he added.

Apart from Arch Swing, it is the two British-trained fillies, Treat and Indian Ink, who are rated the main dangers to Finsceal Beo, who is odds on ante-post favourite with most firms.

There will also be two British-trained runners in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, with Mick Channon's Youmzain and the Juddmonte winner Notnowcato due to line up against Dylan Thomas.

Notnowcato's stable companion Heaven Sent will fly the Michael Stoute flag in the Group Three Ridgewood Pearl Stakes on Saturday, where Michael Halford will be doubly represented by Deauville Vision and Eastern Appeal.

2,000 Guineas (Paddy Power):5-4 Cockney Rebel, 11-4 Duke Of Marmalade, 5 Vital Equine, 8 Eagle Mountain, 10 Excellent Art, Creachadoir, 25 Bar

1,000 Guineas:5-6 Finsceal Beo, 5-2 Arch Swing, 8 Indian Ink, Treat, 10 Alexander Tango, 20 Bar.