Harrington weighs up options for Albigna with ground to blame for Guineas loss

Jessica Harrington on Sunday cited quick ground as the reason Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas favourite Albigna disappointed on Saturday night at the Curragh.

Albigna, the only runner in the line-up who had previously won a Group 1, was sent to post a red-hot 6-5 favourite under Shane Foley but never threatened to reach the leaders as Peaceful handed Aidan O'Brien a ninth win in the fillies' Classic.

She finished sixth, four and a quarter lengths behind the winner, with Foley also putting the defeat down to the ground immediately after the race.

Harrington stated there are no concrete plans for the filly, who came out of the race "a little bit sore" and will not be risked on good to firm ground again.

Peaceful: won the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas with Albigna a well-beaten favouriteCredit: Patrick McCann

"It wasn't to be," Harrington said. "The ground was too quick for her. It got very fast and she just didn't handle it. She got away with it in the Breeders' Cup but she couldn't get away with it a second time. We live to fight another day."

Harrington, who confirmed Millisle and Alpine Star remain on course for Royal Ascot in the Commonwealth Cup and Coronation Stakes respectively, added: "She's a little bit sore after the race but nothing too serious. She'll get an easy few days and we wouldn't want to be running her on good to firm ground again.

"All of those fillies' mile races will come under consideration and, with the way things are this season, a lot of those races haven't closed yet so we have plenty of options."

Valeria Messalina may have been sent to post as the 22-1 second string for the stable but, ridden by Billy Lee, it appeared as though she was going to be involved in the finish only to fade out of the picture inside the last furlong, eventually finishing ninth.

Encouraged by the performance, Harrington said: "Valeria Messalina ran well. She was just a bit fresh, very well in herself, and she took a blow. She was very big in herself and will come on a lot for that.

"She'll get a mile alright, no problem, and we'll probably drop her down to a Group 2 or Group 3 somewhere."

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