Irish 2,000 Guineas 2011

3.45 Leopardstown

Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas (Entire Colts & Fillies) (Group 1) (3yo) Winner €188,500

Pick: Roderic O’Connor (win)

Dubawi Gold: Didn’t look up to competing with the best on a number of occasions last season but impressed with style of his two wins this season, cutting down decent field and then putting race to be a furlong out, both in Listed company at Lingfield (7f); Carrere best when second in 2,000 Guineas to Frankel, and the one to beat on form.

Dunboyne Express: Showed potential stardom when slamming Samuel Morse to win Anglesey buy wide margin, and forgiven Racing Post Trophy fifth having had an interrupted preparation (form worked out); Returned with smooth win for easy task at Leopardstown and can go close here.

Foolproof: Stepped up on previous efforts when winning nursery at Cork off 74, but higher mark got the better of him when he was unable to get a place in handicap next time and has much more on plate here.

High Ruler: Justified market confidence at second attempt when winning Roscommon maiden in July, having previously been smashed into last on debut; Respectable runs in group company since but outclassed in all likeliness here.

Oracle: Looked as if he could be useful sort when bumping into Group winner at Newmarket nearly a year ago but not progressed since (despite winning) and looks outclassed here.

Roderic O’Connor: Took a major step forward with every run last season, beating very useful stablemate before making running to furlong out in Dewhurst Stakes, impressing with speed &then made easy work of field in Criterium International (despite veering); Disappointed on comeback in Guineas but raced too hard too early and well worth another chance here with that behind him.

Slim Shadey: Held his form well over the majority of last season, coming second in a Listed contest at Newbury before a fourth in a big sales race; Ran well above his odds in Guineas but that may have been no fluke and should be respected here.

Zabrajad: Improved for step up in trip when staying on second behind Robin Hood and Pathfork in above average maiden, and can be considered very lucky to have not beaten Imperial Rome on comeback last month (winner was race fit and has since run respectably in Group 1 company) and respected on that form.

VERDICT: Give RODERIC O’CONNOR another chance. He raced too close to a pace it turned out nobody but Frankel could handle in the Guineas and he’ll be ready for this today. Dubawi Gold is the form choice on his Guineas second but he could be a little flattered given the way things unfolded that day. Dunboyne Express & Zabrajad are seen as the main threats but Slim Shadey is overpriced on a form basis.