Friday, May 02, 2008

2000 Guineas

The two hundredth running of the Two Thousand Guineas takes place at Newmarket tomorrow, with fifteen going to post. Jim Bolger's colt New Approach looks certain to go off a very well-backed favourite; I'll oppose him on grounds of value and the fact that favourites don't have a particularly good record in this race. Raven's Pass was beaten by Twice Over in the Craven just over two weeks ago; many observers felt that Twice Over would confirm that form but he isn't in tomorrow's lineup. Godolphin's Ibn Khaldun has been the subject of favourable reports while Henrythenavigator appears to be Coolmore's main hope - good fast ground will suit. Perfect Stride from the Stoute yard is unexposed, could be anything and is respected. At this time of year you're very much dependent on the comments of connections - I'll side with Godolphin's Ibn Khaldun who still has a little to find on two year old ratings but is open to improvement; Frankie Dettori rides. Of the outsiders, Sir Alex Ferguson has a share in Fireside but connections admit to 'tilting at windmills'. Andrew Balding's Dream Eater is of more interest, particularly as he's marked up at 66/1 with William Hill this evening. The horse is considered the best in the yard - if he stays the mile trip he has place prospects. At that price I'll have a small each way bet.

1 comment:

GeeDee said...

Godolphin's Ibn Khaldun (7/2) was a major disappointment; his effort peterted away tamely two furlongs from home, having failed to get competitive at any point. Henrythenavigator (11/1) and New Approach (11/8f) fought out a thrilling finish, the former holding on by a nose at the line. Dream Eater (50/1) ran extremely well; he looked booked for a place coming to the furlong pole but perhaps didn't quite get the mile and finished fifth, beaten under five lengths. Close but no cigar as the saying goes.