Last year's G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner National Defense (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) had his first work over the turf for the season on Tuesday. The Sun Bloodstock colourbearer was among 69 entries on Wednesday for the G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 6, and trainer Criquette Head-Maarek said a decision is still to come on whether National Defense will target that race or the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains a week later.
“National Defense has done extremely well over the winter and worked on the grass for the first time [this year on Tuesday],” Head-Maarek said. “The going was terribly soft but that didn't seem to be an issue for him and he went nicely. He looks really good at the moment–he has put on a lot of weight and has a shiny coat–but he does need some sun.”
She added, “I plan to run him in the Prix Djebel over the straight seven furlongs at Maisons-Laffitte on Apr. 10, by which time I hope to have him at about 90%, leaving a little to work on. After that we will decide between the QIPCO 2000 Guineas and the Poule d'Essai des Poulains.”
The 2000 Guineas entry also includes 11 from the Aidan O'Brien stable, including 2-year-old champion Churchill (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}); the unbeaten Caravaggio (Scat Daddy); and G2 Vintage S. winner War Decree (War Front). Other notable entries include Godolphin's G1 Criterium International and G3 UAE 2000 Guineas winner Thunder Snow (Ire) (Helmet {Aus}) and G1 Racing Post Trophy winner Rivet (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}).
The G1 QIPCO 1000 Guineas the following day has drawn 57 entries. Godolphin and Coolmore each hold eight entries, headed by Group 1 winners Wuheida (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Rhododendron (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), respectively. Wuheida has spent the winner with trainer Charlie Appleby in Dubai, and he said, “She is going great and has strengthened up–she's always been a lovely scopey filly and everything that you would like to see happen in terms of physical development has happened. Her preparation is all being geared towards the QIPCO 1000 Guineas and it has always been the plan for her to go straight there without a prep race as she is a very clean-winded, straightforward filly.”
Also among the 1000 Guineas entries are Aidan O'Brien's G1 Cheveley Park S. one-two Brave Anna (War Front) and Roly Poly (War Front); and G3 Princess Margaret Juddmonte S. winner Fair Eva (GB) (Frankel {GB}).
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