The 1000 Guineas day is always a very interesting one, it’s always a tough race but so prestigious in its own right. This year looks a cracking renewal with leading yards all well represented, but I don’t quite think any of them look like a superstar just yet so hopefully one can be found.
Although I am writing this before Saturday night's racing, regardless of what does happen with Ryan Moore in the Kentucky Derby the fact that he is riding at Newmarket just fourteen hours later shows what an incredible committed rider he is. To race on two racecourse 4,046 miles apart on the same weekend really is pretty phenomenal.
1:50 Newmarket – Adamant
It’s hard not to think Mr Moore will be looking forward to getting back on this nice progressive handicapper as he flies over the Atlantic. He ran a great race at Newbury, finishing off really strongly when just denied at the line. It was clear that day a longer trip would benefit him, as would quicker ground, he gets both in his favour this afternoon. There is plenty more to come from him here.
The Grand Visir is another horse I will be following this season for William Haggas. He was very immature last season, and he acts like the type who will bring his best ability to the track this year. He’ll need a longer trip, but he will travel strongly and could finish in the places here.
2:05 Hamilton – Bengali Boys
It’s very hard to look past Richard Fahey’s hot favourite here, who looked like a really good sprinter when winning Newbury’s Super Sprint by six lengths last year. His form over this minimum trip is exceptional, having finished only a length off winning a competitive listed race at York as well. Ground is good for him, and he’s getting a few pounds from some of his rivals here too.
2:20 Newmarket (Dahlia) – Wuheida
The rich ammunition of Godolphin always produces plenty of top mares, and none more so than Wuheida. She won at the Breeder’s Cup in November, going away very well to beat Rhododendrum by a length. That form is very strong here, and she should be good enough to make a winning racecourse return here.
2:35 Hamilton – Kensington Star
I liked the way this horse travelled up at Thirsk last time, but he encountered traffic problems and just couldn’t run a true race. He’s on the sort of mark he can win off and I think that performance will bring on a fair bit of improvement from him here.
2:55 Newmarket – Ekhtiyaar
Roger Varian has always rated this sprinter immensely, and I do think this will be the year he lands a few big ones. That could start today! He was fifth on his return at Newmarket which wasn’t the best race, but he may just need it in order to improve further down the line. Off this mark it’s hard not to envisage him running a fine race, the ground is spot on for him too.
3:35 Newmarket (1000 Guineas)
Make sure to check out my verdict on the big one, by reading my in-depth preview and tip for the race here!
