The first of five classics in the UK flat season takes us to Newmarket.
The 2000 Guineas at Newmarket is the first of the five classic races held throughout the UK flat season. It is run over one mile at Newmarket's Rowley Mile racecourse.
Let's look at the latest odds, leading runners and date for the race.
2000 Guineas Odds
| Runner | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| City Of Troy | 4/6 | Sky Bet |
| Rosallion | 9/2 | bet365 |
| Notable Speech | 10/1 | William Hill |
| Alyanaabi | 16/1 | BetMGM |
| Night Raider | 16/1 | bet365 |
| Ghostwriter | 16/1 | William Hill |
2000 Guineas Runners & Entries
Here's a look at the leading runners for the race before today's confirmation stage.
City Of Troy
The Dewhurst has rather lost its place as a key trial for the race with only two winners following up in May the following Spring. Indeed, Native Trail, Pinatubo and Wembley have all been recent disappointments in the Classic. Nevertheless, Chaldean did do the double last year and it seems that City of Troy may do the same.
This son of Justify ran three times at two which saw win each race. His win in the Superlative Stakes in July was most impressive as he beat recent Craven winner Haatem by 6 1/2 lengths. After three months off, he reappeared in the Dewhurst where he turned the race into a procession.
2nd placed Alyanaabi was coming into the race after a win in the Group 3 Tattersalls Stakes but he was easily swept aside and beaten by 3 1/2 lengths. Haatem was beaten even further into fifth that day and, as mentioned, has boosted the form with his win in the Craven Stakes. Having won on all surfaces and at the track, he looks a bombproof favourite.
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Rosallion
One horse who emerges as a viable contender to him, however, is Rosallion for Richard Hannon. After the form of his Listed win at Ascot in July worked out so well (Ancient Wisdom, Al Musmak and Alyanaabi all subsequent winners), a lot was expected of him in the Champagne Stakes next time out. However, he raced keenly on the soft ground and weakened into third.
He was equally keen at Longchamp next time out in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere Stakes but came home in front that time by a length to Unquestionable. He then went on to boost the form by winning the Grade 1 Breeder's Cup Juvenile race at Santa Anita in November.
Although his form does check out, this son of Blue Point is very keen in his races which does cause concern over a trip he's never won over. Blue Point never won over further than 6 furlongs and an end to end gallop in the Guineas over the mile trip may just catch him out.
Notable Speech
A horse who has risen up our betting sheets is Charlie Appleby's Notable Speech. Unraced at two, this son of Dubawi was on few peoples’ radars but has raced three times this year and won each time.
All those runs were over 1 mile on the all-weather at Kempton but he has been progressively more impressive. The most recent of which was in a Conditions Stakes under a penalty where he beat the 97 rated Valvano by two lengths.
He is unraced on turf and definitely not reached the form of the others but he has also not been exposed like some of the others have been and, as such, is an attractive proposition to many.
Alyanaabi
Next up is Dewhurst runner-up Alyanaabi for Owen Burrows. Interestingly, this son of Too Darn Hot has also been beaten by Rosallion, finishing 4th in that Ascot race but encountered traffic problems that day and improved to win the Tattersalls Stakes next time out in September.
Although he was swept aside by City of Troy in the Dewhurst next time out, that was his first start on soft ground with his Sire racing exclusively on quick ground. Back on quicker ground, there is reason to believe he can improve again, but he will need to considering the manner of defeat.
Ghostwriter
One who has arguably flown under the radar is Clive Cox's Ghostwriter. Unbeaten in three starts at two, this son of Invincible Spirit was most impressive in his final start when winning the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes over course and distance. He had Al Musmak, previously 2nd to Rosallion, back in second that day in notching a second win at Newmarket.
Although the Royal Lodge is not the most prestigious Guineas trial, Roaring Lion did win it in 2017 before winning the 2018 Classic and he can only beat what's put in front of him.
2000 Guineas Date & Start Time
The 2000 Guineas is the first of five classics, due to be run at 3.35pm on Saturday 4th May at Newmarket's Rowley Mile Racecourse. The race is scheduled to be broadcast live on ITV.
2000 Guineas Tips for Newmarket
City Of Troy looks a worthy favourite and will most likely provide Aiden O'Brien with his 11th 2000 Guineas success. Nevertheless, I do think Alyanaabi is overpriced given his Sire's preference for quicker ground.
He is a course winner already and looks a nice play without the favourite markets on race day. Ghostwriter also seems to be overlooked but may just be better over a longer trip.
