Racing betting: Awtaad can bridge 40-year Guineas gap for Prendergast
Good things come to those who wait, the famous saying goes.
Well, there is no denying that Kevin Prendergast will go down in racing history as one of Ireland’s finest trainers.
His career has spanned generations, yet his one and only Irish 2,000 Guineas winner was Northern Treasure way back in 1976.
The long wait could be over on Saturday, though, as I’m quite sweet on the chances of AWTAAD upsetting the applecart in the 2016 renewal (5.40pm).
The race has been billed as a match between English 2,000 Guineas winner Galileo Gold and disappointing favourite Air Force Blue, but I’m not so sure.
It was a funny race at Newmarket. Air Force Blue was never travelling and, although Aidan O’Brien has prepared him differently for this race, he simply may not have trained on.
His sire War Front has had a number of two-year-old world-beaters who have disappointed at three.
However, O’Brien has pulled plenty of rabbits out of his hat over the years and he has won this race a record 10 times.
Galileo Gold is more difficult to rule out, as he was very impressive at HQ, but he’s short enough at 7/4 with Betway.
Awtaad has won his last three starts and I like the fact that he goes on any ground with an unsettled weather forecast. He looks a good each-way bet at 6/1.
I don’t have any real view on Sunday’s Irish 1,000 Guineas, so I’ll keep it simple and back FOUND in the Tattersalls Gold Cup (3.40pm) at 4/5 with Betway.
She comfortably beat Fascinating Rock last time and I wouldn’t expect that rival to reverse the form.
The Grey Gatsby has been a wonderful servant, but he may struggle on his seasonal reappearance.
Pointers
Awtaad e/w 5.40pm Curragh (Saturday)
Found 3.40pm Curragh (Sunday)