Precise being handled with care but remains on track for Newmarket appearance

Aidan O’Brien backed off the training following a minor setback, but expresses confidence his star filly will be at full strength for the 1000 Guineas

Precise stays on course for 1000 Guineas despite minor setback / COOLMORE

COUNTY KILDARE, Ireland (Special to Turf Diario)— While caution is the watchword at Ballydoyle, there is no sign of panic regarding Precise. Aidan O’Brien’s leading candidate for the 1000 Guineas (G1) at Newmarket is on a modified training schedule following a minor physical hiccup, but the master trainer remains upbeat about her chances for the May 3rd Classic.

Rated the top 2-year-old filly of her crop, Precise was limited to a light gallop during Sunday’s public works at The Curragh, skipping the more strenuous drills seen by her peers. The light work follows a recent fever that stalled her progress.

“She missed some time with a temperature a couple of weeks ago, so we’ve had to go easy and restart gradually,” O’Brien said. “She’s done very little lately; today was mostly about getting her out of the stall. Provided she comes out of this well, there’s ample time to get her where she needs to be.”

Despite the interruption, the stable is leaning on the significant fitness base Precise built prior to the illness. The Starspangledbanner filly was nearly flawless at 2, rebounding from a debut loss at Fairyhouse to win four straight, including the Prestige Stakes (G3), the Moyglare Stud Stakes (G1), and a clear-cut score in the Fillies’ Mile (G1) at Newmarket. She currently tops the Guineas market at 3-1.

Should she falter, the undefeated Diamond Necklace (St Marks Basilica) remains a high-quality backup for the yard. The colts’ division, however, is less settled.

Albert Einstein (Wootton Bassett) saw his 2000 Guineas (G1) stock drop after a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Gladness Stakes (L). The effort raised questions about his ability to stay the mile.

“He has a lot of natural speed, and sometimes those types find it hard to settle over the mile,” O’Brien noted. “The main thing was his behavior, which was good. It’s possible the pace was just too steady for him.”

The market responded by drifting him to 25-1, and he may now be targeted at shorter trips, potentially joining stablemate Charles Darwin (No Nay Never) in the sprinting ranks.

Ballydoyle still holds a strong hand for the 2000 Guineas with Gstaad (Starspangledbanner), who impressed Ryan Moore in recent work, and G1 winner Puerto Rico (Wootton Bassett). Both Albert Einstein and Gstaad will require a £30,000 supplementary fee to run after an administrative error left them off the original entry list.

“Ryan was happy with Gstaad and is looking toward Newmarket,” O’Brien added.

As the Classic picture clears, all eyes remain on Precise. Even with a dented training schedule, her class makes her the one to beat—and Ballydoyle is betting that her raw talent will bridge the gap.