Find Classic comfort in horses who’s season has already begun

None of the main protagonists from last season have been seen on a racecourse yet and although they all hail from stables adept in making the transition from juveniles to 3yo as smooth and successful as possible, there is always the chance that the break has done more harm than good.

Aidan O’Brien has a predictably strong hand in the Derby, but just off the pace of principals Kingsbarns, Mars and Battle Of Marengo lies Ruler Of The World. A ready winner of a hot race at the Curragh in April, the way he was going away at the line gave all the right impressions of what can be expected when the son of Galileo tackles the extra two furlongs in the Derby. In a contest that is still preparing itself to take shape, 16/1 makes a lot of appeal for a horse that is clearly ready for his campaign.

The 2000 Guineas is rightfully dominated by the stand-out 2yo of last year, Dawn Approach. However, despite all the right noises being heard from Jim Bolger, we are yet to see the Dewhurst victor this season, unlike Nicolas Clement’s Style Vendome. A pair of pleasing victories already this term in France made it four wins on the spin for the exciting raider and with only one win for Le Bleus in the last 17 runnings of the race, expectations across the Channel will be high.  Another price of 16/1 is of serious interest with the favourite taking so much out the market.

Finally, the 1000 Guineas still appears to be in embryonic form with 6/1 the shortest price on offer. Ballydoyle’s Moth flew into the picture on the same card as the aforementioned stablemate, but was more impressive, coming away by four and a half lengths from the well touted Wannabe Better. Ideally investments would have been made before the race, but 10/1 about a horse who is confirmed as coming through the winter well is not disastrous.

Getting carried away with the reputations of long-time favourites for the Classics is understandable but at present the only performances from the market leaders have been in words and whispers. The three highlighted above can’t boast as many column inches, but do have a crucial number aside this season’s form column – one.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.