THE EAGERLY-awaited rematch between Henrythenavigator and New Approach in tomorrow's Boylesports Irish 2,000 Guineas is on after eight horses were declared yesterday for the first classic of the year in Ireland.
New Approach has been installed an 11 to 8 favourite with the sponsors to reverse the nose decision with his Aidan O'Brien- trained rival from that epic clash at Newmarket three weeks ago.
However, Henrythenavigator will be joined by his stable companions Jupiter Pluvius and Windsor Palace in the race as O'Brien goes in pursuit of a fifth win in the Curragh classic. Only Rock Of Gibraltar in 2002 completed the English-Irish Guineas double for the champion trainer.
Henrythenavigator looks like getting the quick ground conditions he thrives on with the going at the Curragh currently good to firm and watering taking place at headquarters. However, those conditions could yet rule out the Dermot Weld-trained Famous Name, a popular idea of a threat to the two market leaders, whose preference for soft ground doesn't look like being met.
Weld has left the Juddmonte-owned colt in the race and could leave a final decision on his participation until as late as possible. "We will have to see what happens. It is firm out there at the moment but there are heavy thunder showers about. We have until Saturday so we will wait and see," Weld said yesterday.
The Curragh manager, Paul Hensey, didn't hold out much hope of a deluge though and confirmed watering began yesterday.
"It's a difficult one for the weather people. On Wednesday night we were told to expect between 10-15 mms of rain and we got only 3mms. There are heavy showers about all over the country on Thursday and Friday but the best guesstimate is that we might get 5 to 6mms over the two days. That would only complement our watering. We only ever water to ensure safe ground. Two thousand horses ran here last year and there were no injuries, so that speaks for itself," Hensey said.
Also in the Guineas will be the Newmarket third Stubbs Art while an unknown quantity in the race will be Nownownow, winner of last year's Breeders' Cup Turf race, who will have his first start for new trainer David Wachman.
Nownownow will be ridden by the top French jockey Olivier Peslier who will be the most successful rider in tomorrow's classic. Peslier won on Cockney Rebel last year which added to back-to-back victories on board Saffron Walden (1999) and Desert Prince (1998.)
Jump racing's focus will switch to Paris on Sunday where Willie Mullins could attempt to break new ground in his already excellent record at the Autueil track in the French Gold Cup. Pomme Tiepy is one of 16 entries remaining in the Grand Steeple-chase de Paris, worth a massive €820,000, and is set to be ridden by Ruby Walsh in the three mile and five furlong highlight.
