I once went out with a mime artist for six months and people often ask me what we got up to and I have to reply that it was very normal and we mostly enjoyed quiet nights in.
This is a joke (of sorts) to lead us into my selections for the season’s first classic the 2000 Guineas. A race dominated by Air Force Blue who on all known form should prevail and has been favourite for the race since a very impressive Dewhurst victory last Autumn. He is the most likely winner but at the price (4/6) I cannot advise him and also there have been a couple of negatives in the last week.
On the superb Morning Line (not often you can say that) last week where Clare Balding visited Ballydoyle Aiden O’Brien vocalised his fears of Air Force Blue having too much speed and he had doubts of him staying the trip and then this week the horse has been declared with a tongue strap which could indicate some sort of breathing issue.
All being equal he should win but there is some each way value further down the field. Last year’s Racing Post Trophy winner Marcel (see what I did?) is available at 11/1. He did not get the credit he deserved for that victory as the favourite Foundation found trouble in running. However the form is decent with the second winning a group race after and he travelled very smoothly throughout the contest. He has reportedly done well over the Winter and will definitely stay and enjoy the slightly softened ground and the uphill finish.
The other one to take on the favourite is the only horse to have lowered his colours on course and that is Buratino. He defeated the favourite at Royal Ascot but subsequently that defeat was revenged at the Curragh later in the year. A slight doubt due to running style about the mile trip but his pedigree suggest he should be capable of staying the mile. His form ties him in with the very best of his generation and he should be there or thereabouts.
The Jockey Club stakes is a race to savour as Jack Hobbs (below) takes on Simple Verse. I always maintain a good colt will beat a good filly so side with Jack Hobbs but at 1/2 this is a race to savour rather than stake hour house on.
The Palace House stakes at 2.30 is a race renowned as a starting point for the top sprinters and this race is full of good older sprinters looking to position themselves for the best races of the year. The ground will not be quick enough for Sole Power and Waady has to prove he is as good elsewhere as he is at Sandown. Perhaps the speediest in the race is Cotai Glory, still lightly raced and housed in the stables that perhaps has the most quality in the sprinting division at present Charlie Hills this four year old could progress this year.
In the first take a chance on the thoroughly un-genuine Emerald. Marco Botti’s horse has a terrible head carriage but also a lot of talent. This is the scene of his only victory and the open spaces here probably suit.
Summary
3.45 Newmarket – Marcel – 1pt EW at 11/1
3.45 Newmarket – Buratino – 1pt EW at 18/1
2.30 Newmarket – Cotai Glory – 1pt EW at 10/1
2.00 Newmarket – Emerald – 1pt EW at 12/1
racingahoy 