Puerto Rico Secures Strong Position in Prime Guineas Race
Aidan O’Brien says Puerto Rico is shaping up as a leading contender for the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. He also indicated that stablemate Gstaad could be aimed at the French equivalent instead.
Puerto Rico’s recent form
Puerto Rico has won his last three starts. Those victories include the G2 Champagne Stakes, the G1 Prix Jean‑Luc Lagardere and the G1 Criterium International.
O’Brien described the colt as a pacey type. Puerto Rico has won his last two races on French tracks, putting him in a strong position for the Prime Guineas Race.
Gstaad’s international prospects
Gstaad brings proven class over varied surfaces. He won the G2 Coventry Stakes and the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.
The colt has also finished second in three Group 1 contests: the Prix Morny, the National Stakes and the Dewhurst Stakes. O’Brien suggested Gstaad might be better suited to a French Guineas target.
Albert Einstein and immediate decisions
Albert Einstein, winner of the G3 Marble Hill Stakes in 2025, remains under consideration. He finished sixth in the Gladness Stakes late in March and was third in the Greenham Stakes behind Alparslan.
Connections must decide whether to supplement him for the 2000 Guineas or revert to sprint targets. O’Brien noted the colt’s speed and said a return to six furlongs is a distinct possibility.
Supplementation and alternatives
Both Gstaad and Albert Einstein would require a £30,000 supplementary entry to contest the 2000 Guineas on May 2. If Albert Einstein is not supplemented, targets under consideration include the Sandy Lane at Haydock.
Fillies’ Guineas contenders
O’Brien also updated plans for his leading fillies. Precise, by Starspangledbanner, had a setback but is reportedly progressing well. She holds Group 1 form, having won the Fillies’ Mile and the Moyglare Stud Stakes.
Diamond Necklace, by St Mark’s Basilica and winner of the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac, is another key prospect. If Precise goes to Newmarket for the 1000 Guineas, O’Brien indicated Diamond Necklace would likely be aimed at the French race instead.
O’Brien stressed that final choices will be made closer to the events. He added that recent work and winter preparation had left the team encouraged about their classic entries.
