St Nicholas Abbey heads Aidan O'Brien's Guineas team
Aidan O'Brien has moved to outline his Guineas plans – with a few notable exceptions. O'Brien has nominated St Nicholas Abbey, the Dewhurst Stakes one-two Beethoven and Fencing Master plus Viscount Nelson as possibles for the 2,000 Guineas. However, the unbeaten Cape Blanco, the impressive Criterium International winner Jan Vermeer, and the Phoenix Stakes winner Alfred Nobel, are all likely to miss the race, along with Steinbeck.
O'Brien told his website, www.aidanobrien.ie: "Our most likely runners for the StanJames.com 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday 1 May will hopefully come from the following horses: St Nicholas Abbey, Viscount Nelson, Fencing Master and Beethoven.
"It is unfortunate that Steinbeck is going to miss the StanJames.com 2,000 Guineas. He has done really well and we are very excited about him. Hopefully he will restart in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas on Saturday 22 May at the Curragh."
O'Brien was obviously not too disheartened by the recent Leopardstown performances of Famous and You'll Be Mine as, along with Devoted To You, they comprise of his team for the 1,000 Guineas. PA
Tipping competition resumes on Monday
Don't forget to check in on Monday's Talking Horses, when a new competition will start with the Irish Grand National. Happy Easter to one and all.
