ADMIRALOFTHEFLEET, winner of the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes at Ascot in September, will be one of two runners for Aidan O'Brien in Leopardstown's 2,000 Guineas Trial on Saturday.
The same afternoon, a few of Ballydoyle's plethora of Classic contenders, including Group 1 winner Mount Nelson, will work after racing.
O'Brien said on Thursday: “The plan is to run Admiralofthefleet and Yellowstone in the colts' trial on Saturday, while Nell Gwyn and Theann will go for the Dimitrova 1,000 Guineas Trial.”
He added: “Suppose could also run in the fillies' race, although she may run in a handicap instead.”
Admiralofthefleet and Yellowstone, who finished third behind Mount Nelson in the Criterium International at Saint-Cloud last October, are entered for the Stan James 2,000 Guineas and the Vodafone Derby.
O'Brien said: “Both horses are in good form but it is possible that, fitness-wise, Admiralofthefleet is the more forward of the pair.” Events after racing on Saturday are also likely to impact on O'Brien's plans for the Newmarket Classic, as he attempts to fill the void left in the Guineas pecking order left by Holy Roman Emperor's shock retirement to stud last month.
O'Brien said: “We've been on to Leopardstown and have got permission to work some horses after racing on Saturday. Those likely to work include Mount Nelson, Duke Of Marmalade and Eagle Mountain.”
He added: “All three of them showed good form last year and this is a good opportunity to work them away from home.”
O'Brien also confirmed that Christophe Soumillon would partner his Derby entry Soldier Of Fortune in the Prix Noailles at Longchamp on Sunday.
After another day of bright sunshine in Dublin on Thursday, the ground at Leopardstown had dried to good, good to firm in places, and with the good weather set to continue, the track is likely to be watered on Friday.
Course manager Tom Burke said on Thursday night: “The ground has dried out a lot quicker than we expected and it is getting quicker all the time. We won't be watering heavily and will just put enough on to keep it good, or just on the fast side of good.”
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