Racing: Just eight runners means tomorrow's Entenmann's Irish 1,000 Guineas field is the smallest in 64 years but it does reflect the apparent dominance of Six Perfections.
The French trained star is on a classic retrieval mission after a blatantly unlucky run through the Newmarket Guineas.
Almost brought to a standstill at one point, and ending up on the wide outside after being drawn one, Six Perfections did remarkably well to finish only a length-and-a-half off Russian Rhythm.
Thierry Thulliez has paid the price and John Murtagh has the mount as he goes in search of a first 1,000 Guineas success and it's hard to make a logical argument against that actually happening.
Proven over a mile, even at two, Six Perfections has won on testing conditions and clearly brings a level of class that the seven home based fillies are unfamiliar with.
The Ballydoyle pair Yesterday (8th) and L'ancresse (15th) both ran at Newmarket and both should get closer on these conditions.
Kevin Prendergast runs three and admitted yesterday: "Walayef is in a different league - if she gets the trip. I'm not confident, just hopeful, she will." If the Athasi winner does stay she will bring a powerful finishing kick to the party but even in that department, Six Perfections' finishing burst looks to be unbeatable.
There are also just eight in the Group One Tatersalls Gold Cup with two from Godolphin and three other raiders from Britain.
It's hardly a vintage renewal of the race and after an unsuccessful trip to France for the Prix Ganay last time, maybe Black Sam Bellamy could hit the Group One spot for the second time in his career.
Galileo's full brother won well first time out this season over the trip and the testing surface will bring his stamina into play.
Refuse To Bend fans will be keeping an eye on the Listed Silver Stakes where Good Day Too has a first start since finishing runner-up to the Guineas winner at Leopardstown.
A winner on soft ground at the track, Good Day Too looks up to winning again while Sineogron could be worth an interest in the six furlong handicap.
Anyone who saw Englishtown's nightmare passage at Leopardstown behind Rashay will have little hesitation in rowing in with the Oxx runner in the Premier Handicap.
