2,000 Guineas Betting Tips: We preview the first Newmarket classic
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Too Darn Hot and Calyx may be missingfrom the line-up but there’s still plenty of whet the appetite in the 2019edition of the 2,000 Guineas from Newmarket on Saturday.
Will we see a third long-price winner in six years? Or will another shorty join the likes of Sea The Stars, Frankel and Camelot on the Rowley Mile honours board? We’ve gone through the runners and riders in our 2,000 Guineas preview.
The favourites
With neither of the original market principals to call upon, it’s Aidan O’Brien who saddles the first two. Ten Sovereigns may be unbeaten so far but it’s Magna Grecia who heads the market for the Irishman.
The invinciblespirit colt is two from three so far and impressed when last seen to win theVertem Futurity Trophy ahead of Phoenix of Spain over the straight-mile atDoncaster.
The form ofhis runner-up berth to Persian Kingin the Autumn Stakes has also been backed up after the winner returned to thetrack with a Group 3 success at Longchamp.
Andre Fabre’srunner is entered for the Newmarket classic but looks set to dodge the RowleyMile in favour of a tilt at the French equivalent on 12th May.
That could see Ten Sovereigns shorten, as the son of No Nay Never bids to make it four unbeaten for himself and 10 wins in the race in total for O’Brien. He steps up to 1m for the first time.
Madhmoon will also hope to be in the mix for Kevin Prendergast. The Dawn Approach colt shaped well on reappearance at Leopardstown, while his victory over Broome in September has been backed up by the runner-up’s subsequent impressive display over 1m 2f. Don’t rule him out.
It’s impossible to discount Skardu either. William Haggas’ charge was mightily impressive over course and distance in the Craven Stakes when ahead of highly-fancied pair Royal Marine and Zakouski.
The field
Theaforementioned Royal Marine has been pushed out after his disappointing showingin the Craven. So it’s down to our long-termfancy Advertise to mount a challenge for Martyn Meade.
Our tip hasbeen well-backed following the booking of Frankie Dettori. Add in the fact he’salready a Group 1 winner and that he finished just over 2l behind Too Darn Hotover 7f last time and there’s every reason to be confident.
He shaped asthough the step up to 1m would suit last time out too. Soon we’ll find out ifthat is the case.
Al Hilalee is another unbeaten type for CharlieAppleby, although his form doesn’t really get the heart racing. Kick On did at least impress in theFeilden Stakes but drops back to 1m from 1m 1f here.
Set Piece is another who’s been nibbled atafter his close-up third to the aforementioned Skardu in the Craven. He ledinside the final furlong before running out of gas. That run should serve himwell in the Guineas.
Of the remainder,Great Scot is worth a check in themarket after being backed in from 50/1. Tom Dascombe’s charge ran well behindMagna Grecia last term and returned with a second to Mohaather at Newbury.
Shine So Bright, Emaraaty Ana, Momkin and Urban Icon are the remainder under 40/1.
All Odds andMarkets correct as of date of publication
