QIPCO 2000 Guineas preview: Horse-by-horse guide and tip for Newmarket Classic

ALYANAABI

Exciting colt from the great Shadwell Height Of Fashion family, he progressed with every run at two and signed off by chasing home City Of Troy in the Dewhurst. Likely to improve further but so is the winner and he has three-and-a-half lengths to find with him.

CITY OF TROY

Three from three at two and electric in all starts too. That Dewhurst marked him out as a potential top-notcher. We know he handles the track, better ground at the weekend will be in his favour and hard to think the trip will be a problem. It’s early in the season but signs are his preparation has gone well. He’ll need to misfire on Saturday or for it to develop into one of ‘those Guineas’ – think Night Of Thunder beating Kingman – if he isn’t to to stay unbeaten.

GHOSTWRITER

Another who was three from three at two and got vital track practice when showing improved form to win the Royal Lodge on his final start. Very much the sort to thrive at three and towards the top of the home defence.

HAATEM

Looked exposed heading into the Craven but ran out a ready winner of the trial to book his Classic place. These are much deeper waters though, a few of his key rivals seemed to underperform two weeks ago and Richard Hannon appears to have a stronger contender elsewhere.

IBERIAN

Had Rosallion back in third when winning the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster but not as good in the Dewhurst next time. Needs to be right on his A-game on Saturday, trainer making encouraging noises but balance of form leaves him with a bit to find.

INISHERIN

Held in very high regard and having shaped with abundant promise on his only run last season here in the autumn. Took advantage of a much simpler task to open his account at Newcastle in March. He’s all about potential and as rich as it is, Saturday might just be the next step on his learning curve.

NIGHT RAIDER

Similar comments apply. Has looked very exciting in winning at Southwell in December and March but both of those contests are worlds away from the sort of test he faces on Saturday. Has had a racecourse gallop on the Rowley Mile as part of his preparation. Could well make his mark at this level – but it might not be on his first turf run.

NOTABLE SPEECH

And we go again on the same theme. Came a long way in three starts at Kempton this winter and spring and the turn of foot he showed to slam Valvano by two lengths last time marked him out as vert exciting. But turf and an undulating track are both new to him and for all he’s clearly brimful of promise, he’ll need take a lot in his stride on Saturday to deliver on all his clear potential.

ROSALLION

Only defeat at two came in the Champagne Stakes when too keen and clearly below form. He left that run behind to win the Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc weekend but again took a very strong hold. Will need to settle on Saturday as he steps up, on his reappearance, to a mile. Held in very high regard.

TASK FORCE

A son of Frankel out of a mare who was awarded both the British and French 1000 Guineas in the stewards' room, he learned with racing last season, winning at Salisbury and Ripon before chasing home Vandeek in the Middle Park. Found that test far too sharp but came home strongly and looks to be crying out for a mile. A fine physical specimen who is only going to get better, he could be the one to chase the favourite home – and take advantage if he fails to deliver.

TEN BOB TONY

Showed improved form to win a conditions race over seven furlongs here at the Craven Meeting and a mile should suit. Likely to be given a positive ride which can help a horse outrun their price in a Guineas given we know he handles the track but does have a lot to find.

Conclusion

There was plenty of substance to go with the style of City Of Troy’s three-race two-year-old campaign. He looks a rock-solid favourite, but the each-way play, or angle without the favourite, is TASK FORCE.

He found the Middle Park an insufficient test but still emerged with plenty of credit in finishing second to Vandeek. A fine sort physically, he’s going to improve over a mile and with another winter on his back he should be competitive.

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