Kingman set to face 13 rivals in the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday

KINGMAN is set to face 13 opponents when he lines up for the Group 1 Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday. The John Gosden-trained colt, runner up to 32,000 guineas Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase NIGHT OF THUNDER in the Newmarket 2000 Guineas a couple of weeks ago, has been installed a short priced 4/6 favourite to go one better at the weekend.

Also engaged in the first Irish Classic of the season is the Richard Hannon-trained SHIFTING POWER, a 28,000 guineas Tattersalls October Yearling purchase, who was supplemented to the race on Tuesday following his close up fourth behind NIGHT OF THUNDER at Newmarket. Champion Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien is responsible for five of the 13 runners with the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes winner WAR COMMAND the choice of rider Joseph O’Brien.

Dermot Weld has had a tremendous start to the season and the Curragh-based handler has chosen MUSTAJEEB (Pat Smullen) to represent him. MUSTAJEEB advertised his claims in no uncertain terms when landing at Group 3 prize at Leopardstown 11 days ago in emphatic fashion.

The remaining runners include Tattersalls graduates GREAT WHITE EAGLE, FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH, JOHANN STRAUSS, MANDATORIO and BIG TIME as well as MICHAELMAS, OBLITERATOR, PRINCE OF ALL, DAVIDS PARK and DOLCE N KARAMA.