‘I said he could outrun 125-1’ – Kevin Ryan positive about Irish 2000 Guineas bid 🔮

Few predicted a big run from 125-1 shot Hi Royal in the 2000 Guineas earlier this month. His trainer certainly did however and he was proven to be correct. The three-year-old son of Kodiac ran a huge race at Newmarket, when finishing second and he’s going to be given a chance to go one better in the Irish equivalent on Saturday. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

‘He seems to have come out of Newmarket great’

Kevin Ryan is feeling vindicated for speaking up about his horse’s chances at Newmarket before the race, and rightfully so. The Irish 2000 Guineas is the next logical step and he has earned his place in the field. Ryan said: “He runs in the Irish Guineas. He seems to have come out of Newmarket great and Oisin will ride him again.”

The Yorkshire-based trainer added: “I said beforehand that he could run way above his odds and he did. He just got a bit lonely out in the middle and I think he just caught sight of another horse who was racing away from him on the stands’ side in the corner of his eye.”

Hi Royal is still very lightly raced, a fact that his trainer was keen to emphasise. Ryan said: “He’s had only four runs. He finished third in the Convivial Maiden at York, flying home after getting left and then won his maiden as he wanted at Ayr. I ran him over seven furlongs as a prep race for the Guineas, it was a furlong too short for him but I didn’t want to give him too hard a race.”

These comments indicate that his trainer expects further improvement from his charge and there may well be another level that he could reach. One thing is for sure, his performance at Newmarket will ensure that he doesn’t go off at a three-figure price when lining up at the Curragh on Saturday.

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