Hemingway has been largely forgotten during the start of this season's classic campaign, but the unbeaten Aidan O'Brien-trained colt could yet be the dark horse of next weekend's Irish 2,000 Guineas.

The York and Galway winner still figures at 20 to 1 in some ante-post books for the Epsom Derby, but before the blue riband is considered the first Irish classic of 2001 remains a possible comeback race.

"We will decide in the middle of the week about what horses we will run in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, and Hemingway is a possible for the race as is Minardi. We have not decided about the Guineas yet, never mind the Derby, but Hemingway is fine," O'Brien said yesterday.

Hemingway was touted as one of the main Ballydoyle classic hopes during the winter but was taken out of the Newmarket Guineas when suffering slight muscle problems weeks before the race.

The field for the colts' classic next Saturday is beginning to take shape, with the Newmarket runner-up Tamburlaine set to try to become Richard Hannon's third Irish 2,000 Guineas winner after Don't Forget Me in 1987 and Tirol in 1990.

Confirmed runners in the home brigade include the Leopardstown Trial winner, Dr Brendler, and the Dermot Weldtrained Gowran winner, Maumee, while the Godolphin colt, West Order, could also take his chance in the race.

Clonmel stages a two-day mixed fixture with no shortage of runners and with "good" ground forecast, maybe last season's champion apprentice Tom Queally can get punters off to a good start today with Celtic Project in the Cashel Handicap.

Defence Forces ran second to Luckenbach at Tramore on his comeback and looks a good ride for Barry Cash in the beginners' chase, while the double Cork bumper winner, Camden Tanner, is an eye-catching prospect at the bottom of the two and a half mile handicap.

Tomorrow can see John Murtagh score a quick double with Veronica Cooper and Elaborate, while Imperial Light looks good for the maiden hurdle.