Charlie Appleby trainee Al Hilalee (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), undefeated in two starts including the Aug. 18 Listed Criterium du Fonds Europeen de l'Elevage, has been supplemented for £30,000 to the May 4 G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, one of 24 colts set to take part at this confirmation stage. The 'TDN Rising Star' is joined by fellow Godolphin colourbearers G2 Vintage S. hero Dark Vision (Ire) (Dream Ahead) for Mark Johnston and the Saeed bin Suroor-trained G1SW Royal Marine (Ire) (Raven's Pass), who was last seen finishing fourth with traffic issues in the G3 Craven S. at Headquarters on Apr. 17.
“Al Hilalee took part in a racecourse gallop at Meydan nine days ago and we were very pleased with him,” said Appleby. “I spoke with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and we decided that he would not be out of place in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas. He flew into England yesterday and travelled well. He just had an easy canter this morning and, having benefitted from the winter sun, he looks very forward, in fact he looks in rude health. We have always thought of him as a Derby prospect and the plan has long been to run him at the Guineas Festival, so the decision to supplement was not a difficult one, now that we no longer have Quorto (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the race, as the Guineas is one of the best Derby trials.
“He might lack the tactical speed needed to win a Guineas but I am confident that he will be doing his best work at the finish as he has a stout pedigree. We will learn more about him after Saturday–the race will help educate him.”
Duke Of Hazzard (Fr) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), second to Al Hilalee in his listed win, as well as the Craven trifecta-Skardu (GB) (Shamardal), Momkin (Ire) (Bated Breath {GB}), and Set Piece (GB) (Dansili {GB})-are also set to participate. Both Kick On (GB) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) and Walkinthesand (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), first and second in the Listed Feilden S. over the Rowley course just 13 days ago will also line up, as will G1 Phoenix S. victor Advertise (GB) (Showcasing {GB}).
Aidan O'Brien fields a quartet of entries, including Group 1 winners Ten Sovereigns (Ire) (No Nay Never) and Magna Grecia (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}).
The remaining 2000 Guineas entries are: Azano (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Emaraaty Ana (GB) (Shamardal), Great Scot (GB) (Requinto {Ire}), King of Change (GB) (Farhh {GB}), Madhmoon (Ire) (Dawn Approach {Ire}), Name The Wind (GB) (Toronado {Ire}), Raakib Alhawa (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Shine So Bright (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Sporting Chance (GB) (Kodiac {GB}), The Irish Rover (Ire) (No Nay Never), Urban Icon (GB) (Cityscape {GB}) and Van Beethoven (Scat Daddy).
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