CURRAGH - Irish 2000 Guineas

Just a brief blog today. I am not advising on handicaps at the moment, waiting until this season's form settles down and well handicapped horses have had a run.

3.15 CURRAGH:
There are 'if's and but's' about most of this field, so in alphabetical order -

ALKAZIM - He will appreciate the better ground, but doubt he can beat many here.
BORN TO SEA - Alas, pedigree has hyped this one to a level above his talent. Yet to race on fast ground, but should do better off the fast pace? Possible place but no more.
DADDY LONG LEGS - Strange decision to run him here after running over 10f? Also broke down in his last run. At his best he would be a serious threat, but has not been trained for this one? My guess is that if he comes through this race and is okay, and is beaten, it is no disgrace, but if they run him at a lower level over 10f and he loses ...mm!
FOXTROT ROMEO - Unless Bryan Smart knows something more, this one looks out of his depth?
HERMIVAL - My selection last time, and if he handles the ground will be a big threat. He will appreciate a strong pace, and will be staying on at the finish. If the trainer thinks he will be okay on the ground, then he is one to beat.
PARISH HALL- He is another one to beat. One of my higher rated ones from last season, and will like the ground.  Lack of a run is my only worry for him, and this season it seems more important than normal. Top chance.
POWER - Disappointed at Newmarket, but may do better this time. Not far behind Parish Hall on ratings, but needs to prove he has developed from last year.
REPLY - Not raced over 8f yet or this season. Lot of speed in his pedigree, but his win over 7f at Doncaster was pretty good, interesting?
TAKAR - Impressive winning last time out. This is tougher, and on faster ground, which on breeding is not likely to suit. Will stay, and could provide a shock.
TRUMPET MAJOR - Ran a good race last time. Has won on fast ground, and ran to his rating on it. Has not gone past his 2011 rating in my book, and if that is his level, it will not be quite good enough.
WROTE - This could be the O'Brien No 1, despite jockey bookings. Like Daddy long legs, has been racing over 10f, therefore an unlikely choice for pacemaker ... Which leaves J. O'Brien on Power to do the legwork? If that is the case it may not be the flat out gallop. If Reply sets the pace, and a quick one, it is more likely to suit this one, rather than Power. So when the race unfolds you will know your fate early on if you have chosen a Ballydoyle horse.

Conclusion:
Tight between PARISH HALL and HERMIVAL. One lacks a run, the other may not act on the ground? I will stick with the latter, as he should improve on the track and the way the race is run, and take a chance on the going.
1, HERMIVAL
2, PARISH HALL
3, WROTE