The improving Kevin Prendergast runner is selected to go one better than in his Classic Trial race at LeopardstownThe absence of star names has turned this year’s 2,000 Guineas into a real puzzle for punters but the answer could be Madhmoon (3.35), from the yard of Kevin Prendergast, who last won this colt’s Classic with Nebbiolo in 1977. Fast ground seems likely at Newmarket, despite Friday’s showers, and that will be this colt’s cup of tea, as he looked flashy on a sound surface last year.He was spinning his wheels on soft ground at Leopardstown last month but still ran well and is expected to be a lot sharper for that, so 8-1 is fine. Of the rest, Ten Sovereigns...
Two obvious contenders have fallen by the wayside in the past week but at last we’ve found a runner set to go in the ClassicI feel like I’ve achieved something, having found a leading contender for the 2,000 Guineas who is actually being aimed at the race. It is not, of course, Too Darn Hot, who has managed to do himself a mischief on the gallops. Nor yet is it Persian King, who is reportedly to be kept in France for the time being. Related: Irish Grand National: Willie Mullins finally lands winner with Burrows Saint Tuesday's racing tips Continue reading...
The selection has the class and turn of foot to give Aidan O’Brien his ninth 2,000 Guineas winner at NewmarketThe abrupt emergence of Masar as a potential Classic winner gives the 2,000 Guineas today at Newmarket a familiar Godolphin versus Ballydoyle look, but one of the more open renewals of recent years has several more genuine contenders in the field. Expert Eye and Elarqam have serious claims on the pick of their juvenile form, while James Garfield beat Expert Eye in the Greenham and will have his backers with Frankie Dettori taking the reins. There is also market confidence behind Mark Johnston’s Elarqam, which has not been the case for Saxon Warrior, one of Aidan O’Brien’s two main contenders. Related:...
Filly could provide a “life-changing” moment for charity if connections decide to supplement her for NewmarketIt’s too early to be making actual predictions for the 1,000 Guineas but I know for sure which horse I’ll be cheering for, having been told by the owner-breeder that all prize money won by Dan’s Dream goes to a spinal injury research charity. Dan’s Dream won a notable trial race in the Fred Darling at Newbury on Saturday and the question now is whether she should be supplemented for the Newmarket Classic a week on Saturday, at a cost of £30,000. Related: Aidan O’Brien team steps up a gear as Order Of St George returns in style Newton Abbot 1.30 Goldslinger 2.00 Sensulano 2.30...
Plus best bets for Musselburgh and Lingfield as punters sift through five Thursday racecardsWhen you invite a trainer to offer an excuse for a horse, they generally do so with alacrity. So it was interesting that Charlie Appleby turned down the opportunity at Ascot yesterday after Blue Point got back in the winner’s enclosure for the first time since the Gimcrack. Related: Silvestre de Sousa plays down title chances despite treble at Ascot Continue reading...