IN just over a week’s time the first two British classics of the season will be upon us and, as ever, Aidan O’Brien will have a strong hand to play in both the 2000 and 1000 Guineas.

The last fortnight has offered a chance for various challengers to stake their claims and the two that have advanced their prospects are O’Brien’s Gustav Klimt and the Godolphin colt Masar who trounced his rivals in last week’s Craven Stakes.

Gustav Klimt returned from an absence stretching back to July when landing the 2000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown earlier this month. On less than ideal ground he turned in a very good effort and is certain to improve considerably.

Newmarket will represent an altogether different test for the Galileo colt but the benefit of that comeback run will count for a lot and, at this point, he might just be a stronger challenger for Ballydoyle than the unbeaten Saxon Warrior who has yet to race this season.

The 1000 Guineas looks quite an open affair, particularly with long-time favourite Clemmie set to miss the race. In her stead her dual Group 1-winning stablemate Happily heads the market.

Just as he did last year O’Brien could prevail with a lightly raced and somewhat under the radar filly in I Can Fly. She has raced just three times and has had to settle for a minor role in her two outings at Group 3 level but she could just be building towards a major run at Newmarket.

Last weekend

Order Of St George looked to be on excellent terms with himself as he made a winning return in the Group 3 Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan last Sunday.

A notable aspect of the first month of the flat season has been the form of Willie McCreery’s string and the trainer maintained his good run by winning the Listed Salsabil Stakes with Mary Tudor. She could be Irish 1000 Guineas-bound as McCreery looks to make the breakthrough at classic level.

Racegoers also got to see French rider Gerald Mosse in action, a rarity in these parts. Mosse duly won on his only ride of the day, taking the Committed Stakes on The Broghie Man, his first Irish win since 1994.