PREVIEW | Newmarket: The 2000 Guineas

The first British Classic of the season kicks off at Newmarket on Saturday, as the 2000 Guineas headlines a bumper eight-race card at the Suffolk-based racecourse.

15 colts will line up to charge down the famous Rowley Mile in the opening leg of the Triple Crown, with Aidan O’Brien launching a triple-threat attack in hope of landing his 11th victory in the contest.

Wembley (4/1) has shot to favouritism overnight and has more to prove after showing some promise as a two-year-old last season.

After finishing in the places on his first three starts, the Galileo colt broke his duck in a maiden race over seven furlongs at Roscommon in August.

The colt tried his chances in Group 1 company shortly after, claiming second in both the National Stakes and the Dewhurst Stakes.

He should stay the middle distances and could well be up to the task here. He is joined by Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf runner-up Battleground (7/1) and French Group 1 winner Van Gogh (10/1).

Joseph O’Brien possesses a top-class contender in the form of Thunder Moon (9/2), who will relish the return to better ground on Saturday.

The son of Zoffany could not justify favouritism in the Dewhurst last season, but the softer ground was deemed unsuitable for the colt.

He does have a Group 1 victory to his name, as he produced an incredible turn of foot to get the better of Wembley in the National Stakes.

If that form is anything to go on, then Thunder Moon should be taken seriously for this contest.

Charlie Appleby holds three entries in the contest with Futurity Trophy Stakes runner-up One Ruler (7/1) and Craven Stakes winner Master Of The Seas (13/2) spearheading the charge for the Godolphin trainer, alongside stablemate Naval Crown (66/1).

The unbeaten Mutasaabeq (6/1) makes the step up in class for Charles Hills after storming to a six-length victory at Newmarket earlier in the month, while Richard Hannon’s Chindit (12/1) moves back up into Group 1 company after winning the Greenham Stakes two weeks ago.

Poetic Flare landed the Irish 2,000 Guineas Trial earlier in the month for Jim Bolger and Jessica Harrington’s Lucky Vega made a good account of himself in Group 1 competition last season, claiming the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

Legion Of Honour (50/1), Mystery Smiles (66/1), Devilwala (66/1) and Albadri (100/1) round off the field of 15 runners.

A cracking renewal of the 2000 Guineas lies in wait at Newmarket on Saturday.

Selections:

• Thunder Moon (9/2 @ bet365)
• Master Of The Seas E/W (13/2 @ bet365)