English raiders set to make bold bid in 1000 and 2000 Guineas

Rizeena is expected to strip much fitter in the Etihad Airways Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh next weekend.

Clive Brittain’s filly was winter favourite for Newmarket’s equivalent, but disappointed after finishing seventh, beaten more than four lengths.

Connections decided not to give her a run before that race given she had eight outings as a juvenile, winning the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh.

However, Bruce Raymond, owner Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum’s racing manager, feels she may have been better served by having a prep outing before the Classic.

“She’s okay, we’re making all the travel arrangements now,” said Raymond. “Clive is happy with her. I don’t think the ground was the excuse at Newmarket . . . While she probably is better with an ease, it wasn’t the reason for her defeat. I think . . . if we had the time again, she would probably have run in one of the trials.

Meanwhile, Shifting Power is set to renew rivalry with Kingman in the 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.

Winner of the Free Handicap at Newmarket on his first start this season, he outran his 50 to 1 odds when fourth, beaten only three lengths by stablemate Night Of Thunder, in the English version of the Classic.

He bids to reverse form with Kingman, second at Newmarket and odds-on for the Classic.

Trainer Richard Hannon said: “He’s been supplemented. I’m not sure what is going to turn up, but he must have an outstanding chance on his run in the Guineas . . . the track at the Curragh will suit him.”

RaceBets make Shifting Power second-favourite behind Kingman. Spokesman Joseph Burke said: “Shifting Power has been installed as the 7 to 2 joint second-favourite . . . following the news that he is to be supplemented.

“We have nevertheless been forced to shorten Kingman into 8-11 after significant support for the horse today. War Command is next in the betting at 7-2 and it’s 14-1 and bigger about the rest.”