We have the first English Classic tomorrow with the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket where the unbeaten Frankel will be a warm order. Frankel won the Greenham at Newbury but I didn’t think he was quite as impressive as I expected. He may well be a superstar and win easily tomorrow but at 8/15 he is not really backable. The Irish pair Pathfork and Roderic O’Connor are worth considering. Roderic O’Connor was beaten by Frankel at Newmarket last season but went on to win in France while Pathfork, who should relish the Newmarket mile is unbeaten. Casamento was beaten a head by Pathfork at the Curragh which was his only defeat. Fury won both his starts as a 2 year old and is a lively outsider as is Saamid who will love the ground and is too big a price at 33/1. I think you have to try and oppose the favourite and I think that Pathfork and Casimento would be the most likely to cause an upset.
Brick Red is a tentative selection in the 2.00. The ground could be a problem with him as he does not have winning form on quick ground.
Trainer James Given should have a good idea of the winner of the 2.30 as his pair of Dandino and Indian Days work together at home. I am hoping that the Elite Racing Club’s Dandino can land the spoils here.
Astrophysical Jet won 3 times last season and with ground to suit she will be hard to beat in the 3.45.
In the 4.20 Seal Rock, a winner at Doncaster on the last day of the 2010 season is an interesting runner if handling the ground.
Namibian didn’t get a clear run when 4th over course and distance at the Craven meeting and is worth another chance in the 4.55. Well Sharp drops back in trip in the 5.25 which may suit him.
Captain Carey is something of an old friend and I will stick with him in the Goodwood 4.00. King Ferdinand showed enough in his two starts last season to suggest he can win the 5.10.
King of the Celts should come on for his recent run at Ripon and looks likely to go close in the 2.25 at Ripon. My initial thoughts on the Thirsk Hunt Cup were for Our Joe Mac but ground conditions are unlikely to favour him so I will sit this one out.
I had Jade down as one to follow this season but I am a bit surprised by her entry in the 5.15 as the 6 furlong trip looks on the short side for her. She will have to be the selection though as I am sure the trainer knows best!
My only selection at Doncaster is Spinatrix in the 6.05.
Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Ruth Buchanan.
ahorse 