Bolger out to halt O’Brien’s mastery

Irish great Jim Bolger will attempt to break Aidan O'Brien's mastery over today's Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas with a horse that he rates very highly. Parish Hall has earned comparisons with former Bolger-trained stars New Approach and Teofilo following his spirited victory in last season's Dubai Dewhurst Stakes (G1) at Newmarket, and can vindicate his trainer's faith in him with a good showing in the Curragh showpiece. He takes on ten rivals, including four trained by O'Brien, who is looking for his fourth Irish colt's Classic in five years. Among the quartet is smart UAE Derby (G1) winner Daddy Long Legs, Dewhurst runner-up Power, Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) conqueror Wrote and the up-and-coming Reply. Another Irish legend, John Oxx, has two hopefuls in Takar and Born To Sea, a half-brother to the great Sea The Stars.The only two British challengers are the Richard Hannon-trained Trumpet Major and Bryan Smart's Foxtrot Romeo, while Hermival, third in the English 2000 Guineas, represents France. Parish Hall is the strong 7/2 ante-post favourite despite not having raced over the ten-furlong trip or having had the benefit of a prep-run. But Bolger, who won the Epsom Derby in 2007 with New Approach and also trained Teofilo to go unbeaten at the age of two, remains supremely confident. "I said after the Dewhurst he was up there with the best of them," Bolger said. "I have no doubt he will stay ten furlongs and I'm optimistic he'll stay a mile and a half.