Royal can reign under Spencer

(Curragh, 3.40) saw his bid for English Guineas glory derailed, but he can put his career back on track in today’s Irish 2,000 Guineas. Paul and Oliver Cole’s colt did not enjoy the best of passages at Newmarket, although he failed to settle early on before receiving a bump from a rival. It was to his credit that he coped with that interference and the rain which compromised his speed, before finishing strongly to claim third. Hopefully, with that run behind him, Royal Scotsman should settle a little better early on, while faster conditions should play to his strengths. Although regular rider Jim Crowley is required at York, the booking of Jamie Spencer on a hold-up, keen going type looks a sensible move. Ante-post favourite Al Riffa was ruled out earlier in the week, but Proud And Regal represents the National Stakes form having finished a length-and-aquarter behind Joseph O’Brien’s winner. Trained by brother Donnacha, Proud And Regal looked to find the mile-and-a-quarter of the Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown beyond him and he could prove a danger back at a mile.