RACING: The dual-Derby and Breeders Cup hero High Chaparral could have his first start of the season postponed due to a setback.
Aidan O'Brien reported yesterday that High Chaparral had bruised a shoulder and might not make Newbury's Lockinge Stakes.
The Group One mile contest had been mooted as a possible comeback for the colt.
"We're not sure how he did it. It was just a freak accident but it's not major and he has plenty of time. It's a long season," the Ballydoyle trainer said.
"He won't be able to run in the Mooresbridge at the Curragh on Sunday but we have Hawk Wing and Black Sam Bellamy in that.
"Black Sam Bellamy is also in the Prix Ganay in France on Sunday and ground and everything else will decide who goes where," he added.
Just eight horses are left in the Golan Mooresbridge Stakes and they also include Kevin Prendergast's Wrong Key and the Barry Hills-trained Chancellor, winner of a Group Two at the Curragh last year.
O'Brien nominated Dalcassian and France as two possible starters from his seven-strong entry for the Rock Of Gibraltar Tetrarch Stakes.
Also included is the highly rated Catcher In The Rye but O'Brien said: "He is only a possible at this stage, not a definite by any means."
A total of 12 remain in the seven-furlong 2,000 Guineas Trial, with Abunawwas, runner-up to Tomahawk in the Loughbrown Stakes on the opening day of the season, a likely starter against the Ballydoyle team.
The Jim Bolger-trained Danaskaya, runner up in the Lowther Stakes last season, has been supplemented into the Athasi Stakes, one of the major trials for the Irish 1,000 Guineas.
Also included is the Paddy Mullins-trained Vintage Tipple who is being targeted at the fillies classic next month.
The build up to the Punchestown festival continued yesterday when Cashmans installed Beef Or Salmon as their 5 to 4 favourite for Wednesday's Heineken Gold Cup.
BETTING: (Cashmans): 5-4 Beef Or Salmon, 5 First Gold, 7 Native Upmanship & Harbour Pilot, 10 See More Business, Colonel Braxton and Commanche Court, 14 Florida Pearl, 16 Young Spartacus, 20 Rince Ri, 33 More Than A Stroll.
