Symbolization more than just a token presence in Irish 2000

Europe’s Classic jigsaw is slowly being assembled, and there is no more important piece in the puzzle than Saturday’s G1 Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh, in which the value of Newmarket’s first examination of the Classic generation is under scrutiny.

It is widely accepted that Saxon Warrior was an authoritative winner of the G1 2000 Guineas on the Rowley Mile earlier this month, and surprise runner-up Tip Two Win a promising type, who had been underrated.

But how good was the run of Godolphin’s Masar in third, particularly as he was forced to do all his own ‘donkey work’ when leading the stands side group throughout?

This is the opportunity for an accurate evaluation of that Newmarket Classic form, and it will be provided through Elarqam (4th) and Gustav Klimt (6th) when they face the starter in the Irish version on quick ground this weekend.

Trainer Mark Johnston has been openly bullish about the prospects of Elarqam. He expects the son of Frankel and Attraction to win. Confidence abounds in the Middleham stable.

Perhaps significantly, Ryan Moore has chosen to ride US Navy Flag, one of four contenders sent out by Aidan O’Brien, while trainer Fozzie Stack has the very promising Zihba to represent him.

But Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby is upbeat about Symbolization, winner of two of his four starts.

“He’s a progressive colt. Two starts ago, he was beaten by a nice colt of John Gosden’s (Purser), who then went on to frank the form by winning the Listed Charles II Stakes at Newmarket.

“Symbolization has also won since, and he came out of the race well, and I feel he has progressed again. The quick ground over one mile is going to suit him,” the trainer added.

Appleby said that the Godolphin colt was worthy of his place in this Guineas field.

“He’s been getting stronger every week, and he deserves a crack at a prize like this. He is well up to it,” he pointed out.

A total of 11 runners will line up for the Classic at the Curragh.