Johnny Ward's Irish Angle: Too Darn Hot can prove Too Darn Good
By Johnny Ward
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
As Too Darn Hot crossed the line in the Dante, the first thing I thought of was: if he were mine, he would be running in the Irish 2,000 Guineas.
The second thought was: fat chance. However, as if embracing the Jim Bolger school of training, John Gosden has rerouted the Dubawi colt and now we have a hell of a race.
The Curragh will have many curious visitors this weekend and one hopes it recovered from the issues which had racegoers moaning on its opening day after its redevelopment.
It is truly a special place to watch our sport.
Saturday:
Johnny Ward
Finished: 2ndSP: 6/4
John Gosden wasn’t beating about the bush regarding reservations about this horse’s stamina for the Derby.
He was right and he can set the record straight after losing his unbeaten record at York by beating Magna Grecia and Phoenix Of Spain in what has suddenly improved into a vintage Irish Guineas.
The quick second run isn’t ideal, but he looked very fresh at York and that should be taken off him here at least.
Johnny Ward
Finished: 3rdSP: 9/2
Purchased out of the Peter Hiatt yard for 42,000gns in October and that could prove an inspired bit of business.
She was unlucky on her first run for her new stable and routed her rivals off 96 last time at this track.
She seems to be thriving for the famous hill in Joseph O'Brien's Owning gallops.
Sheila Lavery’s horses are in good form this season and the step up in distance looks right for Magnetic North, who is likely to be patiently ridden from his high draw.
He is very interesting at likely odds here.
Sunday:
Johnny Ward
Finished: 1stSP: 8/15
It would be unwise to discount Jungle Cove on debut here, but Arizona will surely take a lot of beating.
He looked a nice prospect when second here on the opening Curragh fixture of the season, finding only a smart one with previous experience too good, and he can book his place at Royal Ascot by winning this.
Johnny Ward
Finished: 7thSP: 7/1
A saver on Little Clarinet seems prudent given I have fancied her the last twice; in her defence, she rewarded anyone who backed her each-way.
Peshkova does not stay 7f and is thus excused her Gowran run, whilst she was very eye-catching when well-backed on her comeback at Navan.
She looks a cracking bet here.
Johnny Ward
Finished: 1stSP: 5/2
Hermosa touched 100 on Betfair when winning the Newmarket Guineas and if there is a surprise, it is that she did not go higher again.
Making it a proper test under Wayne Lordan, she looked certain to be swamped for much of the final half mile, yet ended up scoring going away at the wire, and I rate that an exceptional performance.
I struggle to see her being beaten here if she can get out in front again.
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