Newmarket 2000 Guineas Looks a Tricky Puzzle to Solve

The 2000 Guineas is the oldest of all the English Classics and was first ran in 1809 and won by a horse called Wizard. This year it will take a wizard to work out what might win as this year the race has a very open feel about it and will be competitive, as is the case most years.

It is the first classic race of the flat season, which is four races open exclusively to three year old horses that aim to identify the best thoroughbreds around.

Aiden O’Brien’s Henrythenavigator surprised everyone, less his trainer, when winning this race last year and went on to become a top class horse that specialised in One Mile races, amassing a total of four Group One victories.

O’Brien this year looks likely to saddle the favourite in Mastercraftsman, who lost only once in his juvenile season. He is one of two high profile O’Brien entries for the race on May 2nd , the other being Rip Van Winkle, who showed a blistering turn of foot over 6 furlongs but is being questioned about his ability to stay the Rowley Mile at Newmarket.

Mastercraftsman was beaten on Arc day at Longchamp, when a lack-lustre performance cost him the Group One, Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère. The race was won by the Freddie Head trained, Naaqoos, who narrowly held on game fashion from the fast finishing Milanaise.

Naaqoos, whilst not setting the racing world on fire, enjoyed dictating the pace of that race and was very comfortable in front, tactics that may suit the 2000 Guineas and his front running style. Certainly his trainer is keen on his chances and believes that he can confirm the form with the favourite.

Also high in the betting is the Brian Meehan trained, Crowded House, who was the impressive winner of the Group One Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster. The Sir Michael Stoute trained, Evasive, is also an interesting entry after finishing his juvenile campaign with a win in the Group Three Horns Hill Stakes and is said to have wintered extremely well.

One definite eye catcher in the antepost market is the Jim Bolger trained Intense Focus, winner of the important Dewhurst Stakes last year. Bolger who saddled the favourite last year in New Approach is happy with the progress of his colt who will be his likely main runner.

Dual Group One winner, Bushranger is another who will line up at Newmarket with an obvious chance. The David Wachman colt broke the existing course record at the Newmarket course over six furlongs when winning the Middle Park Stakes in October. In his previous race he had Naaqoos behind him in the Prix Morny at Longchamp.

If the Michael Bell trained Art Connoisseur recovers form a bad leg injury sustained last year, he is another with the talent to run a big race. After winning the Group One Coventry Stakes last season at Royal Ascot, he injured his leg in the Gimcrack Stakes and has been off course since.

Anyone of the several leading candidates can start the season on a winning note but whether we have a true superstar in our midst only time will tell.