Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes
Time: 16:40 Course: Newmarket
Summary: The flat season is well on its way and we kick it off with the first big race of the season.
The Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes represents the top yards and top horses today at Newmarket and I’m sure the race will not disappoint.
The main talk of the race has been around the two Aiden O’Brien runners, AUGUSTE RODIN and LITTLE BIG BEAR. They both top the betting, with Auguste Rodin topping favouritism. The Irish raiders look to give another strong chance for the trainer to add to impressive tally in the race.
Charlie Appleby also sends two runners, in the form of SILVER KNOT and NOBLE STYLE. Both have impressive records, with Silver Knot already winning a Class 1 at Newmarket and Noble Style doing the same at York back in August last year. The form of that race has boasted the win for Noble Style and both runners in Blue look to be primed to go close again.
However, the one I like for the race is the Andrew Balding trained horse CHALDEAN.
Unfortunately, he didn’t have the best of preparations with Frankie Dettori being unseated at the start of his race back in April.
Saying that, Andrew Balding’s horses are in great form at the moment and I’m sure Andrew will have him absolutely buzzing for the race.
He’s had experience winning big races at Newmarket and has beating some of these rivals before. He is taking a step up in trip to 1m for the first time, but his pedigree suggests it shouldn’t be a problem.
What a story it would be with it being Frankie’s last year riding and Frankel being involved in another 2000 Guineas win (Chaldean’s sire).
Selection: CHALDEAN