Roger Varian's G1 Dubai Dewhurst S. winner Belardo (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) was among 10 colts taken out of the G1 French 2000 Guineas at the latest forfeit stage. Well beaten on his return to action in the Greenham at Newbury, connections have decided to wait for the G1 Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh May 23 instead. Godolphin bought a share in Belardo after his Dewhurst win.
“There are likely to be around 20 runners on the round course at Longchamp and that can be a bit of a scrum, so we opted for the [G1] Irish Guineas instead,” Varian reported on www.godolphin.com. “The horse is very well and in great form.”
Added, John Ferguson, bloodstock advisor to Sheikh Mohammed, “We are really excited by this Group 1 winner, he showed his class in the Dewhurst and The Curragh's galloping track should suit him.”
After the defections 19 entries remain, with the possibility the maximum field of 20 could still be reached with a supplementary stage Thursday, with G3 Prix Fontainebleau runner-up Karar (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) expected to be entered. Aidan O'Brien has left in four, including Goodwood G2 Vintage S. winner Highland Reel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Charlie Hills will be hoping the ground dries up for G3 Greenham S. winner Muhaarar (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), withFlaming Spear (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) left in by Kevin Ryan. Richard Hannon's Smaih (Ger) (Paco Boy {Ire}) and Saeed bin Surror's Maftool (Hard Spun) are other possible British-trained challengers. Andre Fabre could run Make Believe (GB) (Makfi {GB}) and New Bay (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) with El Suizo (Fr) (Meshaheer) and Cornwallville (Ire) (Makfi {GB}) also engaged.
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