Aidan O’Brien’s Winter in good form ahead of the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Sunday
Winter was impressive when beating stablemate Rhododendron at Newmarket in the QIPCO 1,000 Guineas and she has been working well since her Group 1 win
NEWMARKET heroine Winter bids to provide Aidan O'Brien with a seventh victory in the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Sunday.
Winter saw off stable companion and hot favourite Rhododendron to land the QIPCO 1,000 Guineas three weeks ago and will be a warm order to follow up on home turf.
O'Brien also saddles Hydrangea, who is fitted with cheekpieces after disappointing at Newmarket, Asking and Roly Poly.
"We were very happy with Winter at Newmarket," said the Ballydoyle handler.
"She's a big, powerful filly, she's a strong traveller who gets the trip well, too.
"I think both (Winter and Hydrangea) will be happy with the ground. Both would like nice ground or better as they are good-moving horses.";
Joseph O'Brien sends Intricately into battle, but last season's Moyglare Stud Stakes heroine will also need to raise her game after failing to fire at Headquarters.
O'Brien said: "We're looking forward to it.
"She seems to be in good form since Newmarket and everyone is delighted with her at home, but she disappointed at Newmarket in the Guineas there and will have to put that run behind her.
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"She won the Moyglare last season at the Curragh so hopefully she can come back to form there on Sunday."
Rehana is a major contender for Michael Halford after she was impressive in the Athasi Stakes at Naas at the start of the month.
Halford said: "Fingers crossed everything has gone to plan, we've had a great run with her lately.
"It was nice to see her previous form with Winter boosted but now we have to go and try to beat her now.
"She's progressed this season and is a lot stronger. She loves good ground and is in great form
"We're very excited. She's a good couple of lengths better on good ground."
Kevin Prendergast is represented by Aneen, who has not been seen since bolting up in a Curragh maiden last October while Jim Bolger's recent 1,000 Guineas Trial winner Bean Feasa completes the eight-strong line-up.