Irish Guineas is where Henry Longfellow departed, but Ascot appears more likely

Henry Longfellow is still more likely to wait until Royal Ascot,  despite going for the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas.

Last season, the Dubawi colt ran a perfect juvenile campaign, winning all three of his runs at the Curragh, including a Group One triumph in the National Stakes.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien blamed himself for what he called a "tactical error on my behalf" during his comeback race earlier in the month, calling the St. James's Palace Stakes a clear target for possible atonement.

Only 13 days after his unfortunate excursion across the Channel, Henry Longfellow did, however, make it onto the list for this weekend's Irish Classic at the Tuesday confirmation stage, offering him the chance to try again for Classic success.

“He’s possible, but more likely probably for the St James’s Palace,” O’Brien told the PA news agency. “The forecast is for plenty of rain over here and we’re just going to see what’s going to happen. It’s more than likely he’ll go for the St James’s Palace, but nothing is written in stone yet.”

If Henry Longfellow is not selected, River Tiber and Unquestionable, who would both be making their season debuts, appear to be O'Brien's two main players.

Unquestionable was last seen winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita, while River Tiber hasn't been on the track since placing third behind Vandeek in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.

The handler at Ballydoyle verified that Mountain Bear, the Californian runner-up to Unquestionable, may also take a shot. Igor Stravinsky and The Liffey round up his six-strong entry. Leading the challenge is Richard Hannon's combination of Rosallion and Haatem, who finished second and third in the Guineas at Newmarket.

“Everlasting was third in an Oaks trial in Navan on her last run,” O’Brien added. “The plan is to run Opera Singer, too. It’s her first run and she will come forward a lot from it.”