The first big classic of the season is upon us. The 2000 Guineas always gives a good race, and some great winners. Whilst we celebrate the new King in London, there could be a royal winner at HQ. Here are four horses to follow on 2000 Guineas Day.
2:50 – Howden Handicap – Celsius @ 20/1 (General)
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Given that the field is around 7/1, this is a wide-open contest for the first of the big sprints of the season. It’s worth looking down the market for one at a good price and Celsius has grabbed my attention. A great record from long layoffs, including 4 wins and a second, he has the talented amateur jockey Harry Davies on board, claiming 3lbs which brings Celsius’ mark down to a winning one. He’s had one run over the Rowley Mile, finishing second, and the firm ground is a big plus.
Paul and OIiver Cole may have a fantastic Saturday at Newmarket and have Leap Abroad running in this one. His record fresh isn’t bad, and the firm ground will also play a key role in how this horse runs. It’s also his time of the season to be backing him as he only ran three times last year between April and June.
3:25 – Howden Suffolk Stakes – Majestic @ 5/1 (General)
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Last season he scooped the big prize of winning the Cambridgeshire of C&D, but he performed well in difficult conditions to finish fourth in the Lincoln on reappearance this season. He stays at the same mark, with George Bass taking 3lbs off him, and in better conditions it’s hard not to see this horse finishing in the frame again.
Turntable is my next best in the race. It’s his first run for Harry Eustace, and on his record he should fare well. His record fresh has improved throughout his career, winning first time out last year. His record on the Rowley Mile is phenomenal with three wins and a second under his belt over C&D. Kayia Fraser knows this horse well and is bidding to make it a hattrick.
One with an outside chance is Magical Morning, formerly with the Gosden’s. He joins Amy Murphy and has wintered over in Dubai, before being narrowly defeated at Saint-Cloud. His mark has now fallen below 100, which gives him room to perform and in a field of 17 suits him well, rather than fields larger than 20.
4:00 – Palace House Stakes (Group 3) – Twilight Calls @ 100/30 (Boylesports)
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I can’t look past the favourite for this one. A great record fresh, and a class jockey booking in Ryan Moore. He finished fifth in last year’s contest, but hasn’t been seen since narrowly losing out to Nature Strip since Royal Ascot. I feel that that’s the target for the Henry Candy sprinter this season, and can get off to a good start here.
4:40 – QIPCO 2000 GUINEAS (GROUP ONE) – ROYAL SCOTSMAN @ 9/1 (General)
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When I watched the Dewhurst Stakes last year, I immediately said that Royal Scotsman would win the 2000 Guineas. It was an eye-catching run, from a horse who was fiercely campaigned at two. He’s by Kingman, but will get the speed from his dam’s side. Surprisingly, horses that head straight for the Guineas have a great record in recent years, and Royal Scotsman has, rightly, had no prep run. He should turn the form around against Chaldean (who ran on well despite jockey-less in the Greenham). He’s been my ante-post pick since last October and I still don’t have any doubts about him.
Two horses that could run a big race at a big price are Craven Stakes winner Indestructible and Godolphin’s Noble Style. Indestructible has baffled Kevin Stott, in terms of how big he is in the betting. A Craven winner who; more than handled the track, has one of the most in form combinations in racing and can perform on the going is 28/1 with Boylesports. Surely the punters will back him in by this afternoon.
Noble Style has only had three runs, and no prep run. But I’d much prefer him to his compatriot Silver Knott. He is by Kingman, a proven miler, and out of Eartha Kitt, who wasn’t a bad sprinter. And Noble Style’s damsire produced Addeybb, so breeding isn’t problem for me. The form from the Gimcrack Stakes is incredible, with winners left, right and centre. Noble Style is worth a good poke at 16/1 general price.
The very best of luck!
Tune in tomorrow for another Four To Follow for the 1000 Guineas.
