Aidan O’Brien Considers Puerto Rico as Top Contender for Betfred 2000 Guineas Aidan O’Brien has indicated that Puerto Rico could be his leading contender for the Betfred 2000 Guineas, while weighing whether to supplement Albert Einstein for the Rowley Mile Classic following his recent performance. The Ballydoyle trainer expressed cautious optimism about Albert Einstein’s prospects despite a disappointing run in the Gladness Stakes at the Curragh, which led to his withdrawal from the Guineas due to a computer error. O’Brien plans to give the colt another opportunity to prove himself in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury, where he finished third behind Alparslan and Zavateri. O’Brien acknowledged that Albert Einstein’s performance in the Gladness Stakes was subpar, attributing part of the issue to a hood placed on the horse during the race. “Ryan Moore jumped out and thought they were going to go a good gallop, but they didn’t go very fast,” O’Brien explained. “He travelled a little bit strong, but nothing bad. Ryan was happy enough with all that, but I decided to put a hood on him, and it might not have been the right thing.” The trainer noted that the hood may have confused Albert Einstein, delaying his response until late in the race. Despite the setback, O’Brien remains confident in the horse’s potential, stating that a return to sprinting could showcase his best form. The decision to supplement Albert Einstein for the Guineas remains uncertain, as O’Brien emphasized the need to wait for the horse’s recovery and the owners’ input. “We’ll see how he comes out of it now and see what the lads want to do,” he said. “We still believe he’s quick, and if he goes back sprinting, we’re probably going to see the best of him.#puerto_rico #aidan_obrien #albert_einstein #rowley_mile_classic #betfred_2000_guineas
Puerto Rico In Prime Guineas Position Puerto Rico, the three-year-old colt trained by Aidan O’Brien, is positioned to challenge in the G1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, with his stablemate Gstaad also likely to compete in the prestigious race. O’Brien confirmed that both horses are under consideration for the May 2 event, with Gstaad potentially heading to France for the French equivalent of the Guineas. Meanwhile, Albert Einstein, another horse in O’Brien’s stable, remains in a decision-making phase for his next race, with his trainer optimistic about his potential. Puerto Rico has enjoyed a strong run of form, winning his last three starts, including the G2 Champagne Stakes, the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, and the G1 Criterium International. His recent performances have solidified his status as a top contender for the 2000 Guineas, with O’Brien praising his pace and consistency. “Puerto Rico is there [in the Guineas] at the moment,” O’Brien said on Racing TV’s Luck on Sunday programme. “He has won his last two races in France and is a pacey horse. Gstaad has run on lots of different tracks and is a very straightforward horse.” Gstaad, a winner of the G2 Coventry Stakes and the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, has also shown promise in Group 1 races, finishing second in the Prix Morny, the National Stakes, and the Dewhurst Stakes. O’Brien expressed confidence in both horses, noting that Puerto Rico’s progress has been steady, with the colt thriving in his winter preparation. “We’re very happy with Puerto Rico,” O’Brien said. “Last year he progressed with every run, and we’re very happy with everything he’s doing at the moment.” Albert Einstein, who has yet to secure a victory in his two starts at three, has shown improvement in recent races.#puerto_rico #aidan_obrien #gstaad #albert_einstein #2000_guineas
