I think the 3.00 at Newmarket is a flakey enough race for the grade and I'd expect a big run from the frustrating STAR OF ORION. A talented horse on his day as his form suggests but for whatever reason he does struggle for consistency. But he has enjoyed plenty of success here at Newmarket before and his record fresh is ‘ok' so I'm taking a chance he can get his head in front today.
Newmarket 3.00 – Star Of Orion
Saturday
2000 Guineas day is upon us already and the big race itself looks a hot renewal but more of that shortly.
My first punt on Saturday is going to be in the 2.50 and I like a few here but with the draw looking to be so important I think my main bet will be CHAIRMANOFTHEBOARD. Jack Channon's charge is a solid little horse at this level and his run over course and distance a few weeks back was encouraging considering he was stuck on the wing for majority of the race. You can probably mark that run up a bit and if he puts in a similar performance I think he must go close. In that same race 17 days ago, I was taken by PROBE who backed up an impressive debut for Jennie Candlish by finishing second. I thought he saw far too much daylight that day and would need more cover here. If he can get that he could defy a high draw.
The 3.25 is an open race and after being on EMPIRESTATEOFMIND his last two runs I find it hard to desert him here. The 9f trip should be ideal and he has shown that a mark of 99 is well within his ability if everything falls right so I'm hopeful at 8/1 I can get a return off him.
In the big one itself I'm definitely going to be siding with SAKHEER who has looked a top notcher in his 3 runs to date. Although those runs have only come over 6f his breeding and the way he has won those races suggest a mile should be well within his compass. His trainer is confident he will get the mile as well which gives me extra confidence in his chance and although he has the O'Brien brigade to beat I think he is more than good enough. If you want something at double figure prices I think the Charlie Appleby pair won't be far away and could reward shrewd each way backers.
2.50 – Probe / Chairmanoftheboard
3.25 – Empirestateofmind
4.50 – Sakheer
