Gustav Klimt and US Navy Flag to lead O'Brien's bid for 12th Irish 2,000 win

Gustav Klimt and US Navy Flag will lead Aidan O'Brien's bid for a 12th Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas win at the Curragh on Saturday.

O'Brien, who landed the Classic with Churchill a year ago, has five in contention ahead of declarations on Thursday.

He said on Wednesday: "The plan is to run Gustav Klimt and US Navy Flag and possibly Threeandfourpence. Spanish Point and Conclusion are also in the race and one of them could run."

Gustav Klimt finished sixth in the 2,000 Guineas, while US Navy Flag, last season's champion two-year-old, ran fifth in the French equivalent at Longchamp.

Irish 2,000 Guineas betting and entries

Imaging, a 7-1 shot and winner of the Listed Tetrarch Stakes at Naas last time, will represent Dermot Weld, who said: "The plan is to run Imaging, although it looks as if the ground will be quicker than ideal for him."

Watch Imaging's Tetrarch win

The ground at the Curragh on Wednesday was described as good on the straight course, over which the Guineas is run, and good, good to firm in places on the round track. The forecast is for dry weather.

Clemmie, one-time favourite for the 1,000 Guineas until missing the race due to a hold-up, is likely to reappear in the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas on Sunday. Stablemate Happily, third in the Newmarket Classic, will head Ballydoyle's challenge.

Irish 1,000 Guineas entries

"We're looking at running Clemmie on Sunday but she's just ready to start back and we think she'll come forward a lot from the run," said O'Brien. "We'll probably run a few in the race, although Magical might wait for the Investec Oaks."

Weld will be represented in Sunday's Classic by Chiara Luna, the mount of Declan McDonogh, and Yulong Gold Fairy (Leigh Roche).

Hydrangea, a dual Group 1 winner last season when she landed the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown and the British Champions Fillies & Mares at Ascot, holds two entries this weekend.

According to O'Brien she is more likely to contest the Tattersalls Gold Cup on Sunday, in which Cliffs Of Moher, winner of the Group 2 Mooresbridge Stakes at Naas this month, will be the trainer's front-line contender.

Tattersalls Gold Cup betting and entries

Yucatan, one of five O'Brien-trained entries for the Tattersalls Gold Cup, could miss the race.

"We might wait and run him in the Coronation Cup instead," said O'Brien.

O'Brien expects to be represented at Haydock on Saturday. "We're looking at sending three there. Actress and Different League are in both the Sandy Lane and Cecil Frail and we'll probably split them up, while Washington DC is a possible for the Temple."

Haydock Saturday entries

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