News: Cockney Rebel may be getting rave reports from the gallops ahead of this Saturday's Boylesports Irish 2,000 Guineas but that doesn't appear to be scaring off any of the horses he beat at Newmarket earlier this month from a re-match in Ireland's first classic of the season.
The Geoff Huffer-trained colt has been committed to Saturday's big race after an impressive work-out over the weekend that was described by his trainer as being the best he has ever seen.
"He moved so well and it seems unbelievable but he appears to have come on from his last race. He leaves for Ireland on Friday and I can't wait to run. The only reason he wouldn't go is if the ground came up heavy," Huffer said.
There was good news from the Curragh authorities on that score yesterday with manager Paul Hensey reporting "perfect" ground at headquarters.
"I walked it this morning and it is good ground, perfect going," he said. "The short term forecast is for sunshine and showers so I wouldn't see too much change there. It's harder to predict later in the week. It could be anything. But at the moment it is in good nick."
Many of Cockney Rebel's closest pursuers at Newmarket appear to be keen for another crack at the colt who will be trying to become the first since Rock Of Gibraltar five years ago to complete the Newmarket-Curragh double.
Apart from Dutch Art, third at Newmarket, who is set to wait for the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, the next three home are being lined up for the Curragh including the runner-up, Vital Equine.
Eoghan O'Neill's colt also worked on Saturday and the trainer reported yesterday: "He worked well and I was happy with him. He will go again on Tuesday and hopefully all will go well. He has come out of Newmarket super and has actually improved for it."
Aidan O'Brien is in pursuit of a fifth 2,000 Guineas victory and his team is likely to be led by both Duke Of Marmalade (fourth at Newmarket) and Eagle Mountain (fifth) who now appears set to miss the Derby in favour of staying at a mile.
Both horses are likely to be part of a strong Ballydoyle representation at today's important forfeit stage and the home team could also include the French Guineas runner-up Creachadoir and Fleeting Shadow from Dermot Weld's team.
The colt's classic will be the first leg of a Group One triple-header over the weekend with the Newmarket first and second, Finsceal Beo and Arch Swing, looking to dominate the 1,000 Guineas entry and Dylan Thomas a likely favourite for the Tattersalls Gold Cup.
Last year's Irish Derby hero is set to clash with the Breeders' Cup Turf winner Red Rocks while the John Oxx team are considering a hike in trip for the unbeaten and progressive colt Danak who won the Group Three Amethyst Stakes over a mile on his last start.
Dermot Weld looks to provide the bet of the evening at Roscommon in the shape of In A Rush who also takes the step up from a mile to a mile and a quarter for the fillies maiden.
The daughter of Hernando was a heavy favourite at Killarney last week but got run out of it in the closing stages by Provider while giving the impression that a hike in distance would be no harm.
She gets that now and she looks capable of beating a standard set by Kevin Prendergast's runner Alexander Goldmine.
The champion apprentice Chris Hayes is on the Killarney winner Kilmannin in the second division of the mile and a quarter handicap and could also fancy his chances in the first leg with Ansari who is just 2lb higher in the ratings compared to when he won under Hayes last summer.
