Gleneagles set to star in QIPCO 2000 Guineas

Gleneagles winning in Ireland last year. Image courtesy of Racingfotos.com.

Aidan O’Brien’s long-time ante post favourite Gleneagles will be ridden by Ryan Moore after heading the 19 contenders declared for the QIPCO 2000 Guineas on Saturday at Newmarket.

The impressive Group 1 winner is joined by stable mate Ol’ Man River among the declarations, under Joseph O’Brien, as the Ballydoyle trainer bids to win the contest for the sixth time in 14 years.

Last year’s Champion Trainer Richard Hannon will look to retain his Rowley Mile Classic title, as he saddles a selection of strong fancies in Estidhkaar, Ivawood, Kool Kompany and Moheet.

He said: “Estidhkaar will improve for his Newbury run – like all of mine he needed his first run back – and I have been very happy with him since. He will also improve a lot for the step up to a mile as he was staying on nicely at the end in the Greenham which was pleasing.
 
“Ivawood will have come on massively for his Newbury outing, probably more than any of them as he’s a big horse that carries a bit of weight. That trial came a bit soon for him.
 
“Kool Kompany was overlooked in the Craven Stakes and he continues to be overlooked. He is very dangerous and talented. He was a tough two-year-old and if there are any cracks in the armour of the big names he will find them. He’s now three pounds better off with the horses he beat in the Craven and he’s improved an awful lot for that run. He doesn’t have to lead. He slightly got away with it in the Craven but he did it in different ways last year. The undulations at Newmarket caught Moheet out in the Craven but he has been working brilliantly and he’ll go back there with a good chance.”

Godolphin’s Territories, trained by last year’s QIPCO 1000 Guineas-winning trainer Andre Fabre, and impressive Newbury maiden winner Intilaaq have both been declared after being supplemented for the QIPCO 2000 Guineas on Monday.

Racing Post Trophy winner Elm Park and European Free Handicap champion Home Of The Brave are among the other competitors.

Full QIPCO 2000 Guineas declarations: Bossy Guest, Capella Sansevero, Celestial Path, Code Red, Dutch Connection, Elm Park, Estidhkaar, Glenalmond, Gleneagles, Hail The Hero, Home Of The Brave, Intilaaq, Ivawood, Kool Kompany, Moheet, Ol’ Man River, Ride Like The Wind, Room Key and Territories.