The Irish 1000 Guineas, which takes place over the same course and distance as the 2000 Guineas is headlined by Clemmie and her stablemate Happily. The daughter of Jihad became the first offspring of Galileo to win a Group 1 over six furlongs last season and won the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket on her final start last term.

 

Although Clemmie hasn't had a start this season due to a stone bruise, Happily ran respectably, finishing two and a quarter lengths third to Billesdon Brook. The trip looked on the short side, and the ground was probably fast enough too.

 

The Charlie Apple by-trained Soliloquy was just over a length behind Happily at Newmarket last time, seemingly unsuited by a more patient ride than she received when winning the Nell Gwyn 18 days earlier.

 

Who’s Steph is progressing nicely, winning her last three starts, including the Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial and the Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial. She didn’t have to improve for her latest win, though, well positioned the way the race went and getting the jump on a few in behind, and - though she remains with potential - this will require a clear career best.

 

Chiara Luna and Lightening Quick are a couple others who remain open to improvement. The first-named caught the eye on her reappearance when two lengths fourth to Who’s Steph in the Derrinstown, with the three that finished in front of her all ridden more prominently. Lightening Quick is having her first start for Johnny Murtagh since leaving Ger Lyons., having shown improved form to win the Athasi Stakes at Naas on her return earlier this month; she seems sure to be suited by this step up to a mile.

Distance: 1 mile (1,609 metres), Surface: Turf, Track: Right-handed, Qualification: Three-year-old fillies, Weight 9 st 0 lb, Purse: €300,000 

 

Watch The 2017 Irish 1,000 Guineas (won by ):

 

 

Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretaristworld.com