Irish 2000 Guineas Betting Tips
The Irish 2000 Guineas is raced a little over three weeks after the British 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Because it’s fairly common for some of the same horses to run both races, it’s important to watch performance at Newmarket before deciding on a favourite for the Irish race. Over the last 20 years, a total of five horses – most recently, Cockney Rebel in 2007 – have secured doubles, winning both the British and Irish 2000 Guineas.
Both the British and Irish 2000 Guineas are run early in the racing season. For Irish 2000 Guineas betting, this makes it important to look at the performance of two-year-old colts over short-distance flat races in the preceding racing season. It’s speed and power, rather than stamina, that’s needed for the one-mile sprint. Familiarity with the track at Curragh is obviously also a plus.
Favourites in Irish 2000 Guineas betting for 2008 will include horses from top Irish 2000 Guineas trainers – in many cases, the same trainers who participate in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Some of the top flat racing trainers to back include Aidan O’Brien, Jim Bolger, Dermot Weld and Jeremy Noseda.
What To Look Out For On The Day
On the day of the race, factors that should influence your Irish 2000 Guineas betting include the condition of the track (known as the “going”) and the look of the horses themselves.
Many horses are most used to either soft (yielding) or good-to-firm going. In general, horses used to soft going move more deliberately and lift their front legs higher in the air than horses used to firmer ground conditions – so you might get some clues if you watch the horses before the race starts. It’s worth factoring this into your betting decisions because a horse running on track conditions it prefers has an advantage.
It’s important to watch each horse in the parade ring. You should give preference to horses that look strong, calm and alert. Reconsider your choice if the horse you were planning to back is sweating profusely or seems agitated or nervous. Watching each horse as it canters to the start is also a good idea – back those that look comfortable and confident. You can still place your bets for up to about five minutes after this.
Start considering your favourites for 2008 Irish 2000 Guineas betting now!
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