Saratoga Springs may still fly the flag for Ireland in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday week. Although trainer Aidan O'Brien said yesterday that the colt was still just a possible rather than a probable for America's most famous race, the Ballydoyle team are investigating the quarantine regulations if they decide to join the run for the roses.

O'Brien reported King Of Kings on course for the 2,000 Guineas, also on May 2nd, and there is a chance that the Dewhurst third Impressionist could also travel to Newmarket.

Con Collins had no such upbeat message about the Irish 1,000 Guineas hopeful Heed My Warning, reporting that the Moyglare Stakes runner up is "not right at the moment". Collins added: "We hope she'll be OK for the Athasi Stakes but if she isn't, she'll go straight for the Guineas."