Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas: Horse-by-horse guide and trainer views

Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas is on Saturday.

Atomic Jones made his debut in a seven-furlong maiden at the Irish Derby last year. He won the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown on Irish Champions’ Weekend. Stone Age was second favourite in the Derby Trial at Leopardstown two weeks ago.

Buckaroo won his maiden over a mile at the Galway Festival last July. He won the Tetrarch Stakes at The Curragh by four lengths. Connections are considering skipping the Irish Guineas and going straight to The Derby. The Irish 2,000 Guines takes place at Epsom in two weeks' time.

Duke De Sessa won a one-mile maiden at The Curragh in August last season. He finished sixth in the National Stakes and won the Group 3 Eyrefield Stake at Leopardstown. Duke DeSessa finished third in his debut at the Ballysax on his current season debut.

Imperial Fighter won his maiden on soft ground at Goodwood last July. Andrew Balding's horse chased home Coroebus in the Group 3 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket in early October. He was beaten in a listed race at Newcastle on his debut this season. Ben Coen is a great booking.

Ivy League won his maiden over a mile at Dundalk in early April. He ran well against the older horses last time in the Group 3 Amethyst Stakes at Leopardstown. Ivy League is the sole representative of trainer Aidan O’Brien, who has won the race a record 11 times.

Malex finished fourth behind Buckaroo in the Tetrarch Stakes last time. He should progress for that experience. Joseph O'Brien's horses have hit form.

Native Trail is the favourite for the 2,000 Guineas. He won the National Stakes at The Curragh last year and the Dewhurst Stake at Newmarket. Native Trail started off this season in exemplary fashion, landing the odds in the Craven and going down by three lengths to his stable companion Coroebus in 2000 Guines at the New Market.

New Energy won his maiden on his racecourse debut at The Curragh in September. He finished eighth in the Killavullan Stakes on last season's final run. New Energy is a likeable colt and is steadily progressive.

Wexford Native won the Tetrarch Stakes on his debut this season. He finished second to Buckaroo last time. He should progress again for that experience.

Native Trail is favourite to win the Tattersalls-sponsored Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh. The Oasis Dream colt was beaten only three-quarters of a length by Coroebus on the Rowley Mile three weeks ago. Godolphin's Modern Games won the Poule d'Essai des Poulains at Paris Longchamp last weekend. Joseph O'Brien's Buckaroo is a threat to Native Trail. Jim Bolger's team is represented by Wexford Native. Aidan O’Brien has won Irish Classic of the year on a record 11 occasions.

Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas is on Saturday. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s.