With the first Classics of the season upon us, the Weekend Winners team reconvened to preview a stellar weekend of racing from Newmarket.
The trio of Kate Tracey, Sam Boswell and Declan Rix paid particular attention to the feature Betfred 2000 Guineas, ran over a mile at Headquarters on Saturday at 3.35pm.
After a host of non-runners in the build-up, Aidan O’Brien’s Gstaad looks set to assume market favouritism after he was reintroduced to the contest following an accidental withdrawal.
As yet unbeaten, George Boughey’s Bow Echo is set to challenge the Ballydoyle standard setter, alongside Godolphin duo Distant Storm and King’s Trail.
Declan Rix…
“I like the unexposed one here in King’s Trail, who hasn’t been seen on turf yet but is unbeaten on both his starts which were at Kempton. He’s by Sea The Stars, which means he should be a Derby rather than a Guineas type but there is pace on his distaff side so hopefully he will be quick enough.
“He is drawn next to Oxagon, who is a certain pace angle. I am hoping James Doyle can sit up the backside of him and then sprint clear of the field, as he will outstay most of these. I think he will outrun his price given his unbeaten profile.”
Kate Tracey…
“I am taking on the favourites with Distant Storm for Charlie Appleby. The Godolphin team know what it takes to win the race, having been successful with Ruling Court and Notable Speech. He is by my favourite stallion In Night Of Thunder, who won the 2000 Guineas.
“He was too keen in the Acomb at York but was really impressive at Newmarket when winning, before running creditably in the Dewhurst behind the ill-fated Gewan. He settled with more experience that day and has good course form so should be going well here after his piece of work the other week at the track.”
Sam Boswell…
“We have had a lot of noise going into this race, with both of the market leaders not being seen on the track [so far this season]. The horse I am going to side with is Bow Echo for George Boughey, who is unbeaten in his three starts at two.
Billy Loughnane is set to rekindle his partnership with Bow Echo
“He beat Publish at Haydock, who he was rubbing shoulders with at the top of the market going into this race – but he is now out. Size has been mentioned a fair amount about him and I get it being a concern, but his form in the book is solid. He goes well on the track and the ground is no issue for him.”
Watch the episode in full on the At The Races YouTube channel…
