River Tiber and Unquestionable to represent Ballydoyle in Irish 2000 Guineas

O'Brien decided to go into the British 2000 Guineas with just one runner last month. City Of Troy had dominated as a juvenile and carried a short price into that Classic. Yet, the favourite was comprehensively beaten back in ninth, as Notable Speech picked up the victory.

The Irish equivalent of that Classic takes place at the Curragh on Saturday and Aidan O'Brien's leading hope is last year's Coventry Stakes winner, River Tiber.

“Everything has went well with him." O'Brien told the Irish Field. "Obviously we were trying to split them all up and start off in different races. He was in Navan the other day and everything is good."

“We think a mile is within his compass, although not guaranteed. We just thought we would start in the Guineas and if he didn't get it, he would go back to the Commonwealth (Cup) or something like that. He is not short of speed.”

O'Brien had intended on testing River Tiber over a mile at the Breeders' Cup, but his star was withdrawn from the contest on veterinary advice. That left stablemate Unquestionable free to claim victory at Santa Anita and he too will make his reappearance in Saturday's Irish 2000 Guineas.

“Unquestionable might not be as forward at River Tiber but the plan is to start him at the Curragh with a view to going to Ascot after that,” O'Brien continued.

“He had a little blip a couple of weeks ago but he is back in full swing again but he did have it so because of that, he might improve a little more from the Curragh than River Tiber.”

Henry Longfellow, beaten favourite in the French Guineas, was left in the contest by O'Brien, but he's more likely to run in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Mountain Bear, second to Unquestionable in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, and The Liffey also remain in the field.

Richard Hannon, meanwhile, sends two over for Saturday's feature at the Curragh. Rosallion tops the market after following Notable Speech home at Newmarket. Haatem won the Craven on his reappearance before placing third in the 2000 Guineas, and he'll also make his second Classic start of the campaign.

The full betting for the 2024 Irish 2000 Guineas can be found here on our website...