7 in the mix for O’Brien

Aidan O’Brien has seven cards in his hand going into this weekend’s Irish 2,000 Guineas.

The champion flat trainer is yet to win a Classic in 2009, but will have plenty of opportunities to score at Curragh on Saturday after several of his entries accepted in the latest confirmation stage of the Irish 2,000 Guineas.

O’Brien’s entries include Coat Of Arms, Drumbeat, Hail Caesar, Malibu Bay, Viceroy Of India and Westphalia. His strongest Irish 2,000 Guineas contender is Mastercraftsman, who goes into the race with two group 1 victories to his credit.

Jim Bolger contributes McIver and Intense Focus to the 17 horses that make up the Irish 2,000 Guineas field, while John Oxx will be looking to the undefeated Rayeni to help him to his second Classics title of the 2009 flat racing season.

“Rayeni looks like making it to the 2,000 Guineas next weekend and we will just see how his work goes on Tuesday. His fitness level is pretty good and he’s been shaping up nicely,” Bolger said last week.

Meanwhile Brian Meehan has confirmed that Delegator will be taking part in proceedings at the Curragh on Saturday.