The Curragh could be set for a surprising visitor this weekend after John Gosden announced his champion juvenile, Too Darn Hot, could line up in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas, the first Classic at the renovated venue in Kildare.
The Andrew Lloyd-Webber-owned colt disappointingly missed out on the English equivalent of this weekend's race at the Curragh, after remaining unbeaten as a two-year-old.
The Derby then became the ambition, but defeat to Telecaster in the Dante Stakes at York has convinced Gosden to aim for the shorter trip this side of the Irish Sea.
What a finish!
Telecaster holds off Too Darn Hot to take the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes in fine style for Hughie Morrison and @oismurphy
👏👏@ABE_Dubai pic.twitter.com/fNJApwWDzz— York Racecourse (@yorkracecourse) May 16, 2019
Simon Marsh, racing manager to Lloyd-Webber, refused to guarantee the star juvenile's participation this weekend, insisting a decision will be made towards the end of the week. Nevertheless, the Irish Classic is looking like the star's most likely destination presently.
He's come out of the race (Dante Stakes) very well and is absolutely fine.
John [Gosden] just felt we'd keep him in at this stage and then make a decision later in the week as to whether or not he's actually going to run.
I think York was a case of stamina - the way the race was run and I think at this stage in his career, he's obviously going to be better over a mile.
But I have no doubt that later on he will stay a mile and a quarter. Frankie (Dettori) was at pains to stress how keen and fresh he was.
When he settles and has a few more races under his belt, ultimately he'll be fine over a mile and a quarter.
Aidan O'Brien and Kevin Prendergast, meanwhile, look set to lead the Irish charge at Epsom on the June Bank Holiday weekend.
86-year-old Prendergast looks certain to have his first runner in the Derby since 1996 in Madmoon, while O'Brien, speaking at this morning's Breakfast With The Stars event at Epsom, confirmed he will take "a good crew" of colts to the event, with Sir Dragonet expected to spearhead the Ballydoyle contingent.
