Jessica Harrington outsider backed for Irish 2,000 Guineas

Punters are backing Free Solo to deliver another Classic for Jessica Harrington, as the colt has been supported from 20-1 into 12-1 in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas (6.40).

The son of Showcasing has only raced twice, finishing third on debut before an emphatic maiden win at Leopardstown in July. But plenty expect him to take a big step forward and emulate former stable star Alpha Centauri who, in the same Niarchos Family silks, enjoyed Irish 1,000 Guineas glory in 2018.

The unbeaten Siskin tops the betting for Friday's Classic although Ger Lyons' representative has drifted slightly from 5-2 out to 11-4. The leading chance of Aidan O'Brien's seven runners is Armory, a steady 4-1 chance.

Friday's big betting heat is the 18-runner Paddy Power Irish Lincolnshire (7.15) where Bashiyr has been strongly punted. The four-year-old disappointed when sixth on his hat-trick bid in September, but is fancied to bounce back with his price cut from 7-1 to 11-2 favourite.

The ground at the Curragh is currently good to firm following 5.5mm of rain overnight with light showers forecast.

Many of Britain's top yards are teeing up their well-bred youngsters at Newbury on Friday evening – most notably hot prospects Al Madhar and Encipher clashing in the 8.30. The ground at Newbury is currently good.

Domino Darling, a 13-8 favourite for Saturday's Listed Abingdon Fillies' Stakes, was announced a non-runner this morning. Cabaletta, for Roger Varian, is the new favourite.

Friday's racing

Curragh (4.05)
Good to firm

Non-runners
4.05: 4 Cursory Exam (off feed)

Newbury (4.45)
Good

Non-runners
5.25: 1 War Glory, 4 Mohareb, 5 Spirit Warning, 7 Charles Molson
5.55: 11 Nette Rousse
6.25: 3 Star of Southwold
7.00: 10 Sadiqaa
8.30: 9 East End Girl
9.00: 9 Wand

Read more

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McGuinness struggling to split Irish Lincolnshire hopes with trio of contenders

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