Hi all,
Saturday brings the first Classic of the season—the Betfred 2,000 Guineas (3:35) at Newmarket. It’s the first of five British Classics, and John Gosden is still chasing a first success in the colts' curtain-raiser. This year, he’s got the favourite in Field Of Gold, who looked the real deal when winning the Craven.
There’s plenty more to enjoy on a cracking nine-race card. The Suffolk Stakes (2:20) and the Group 3 Palace House Stakes (2:55) are strong supporting contests.
ITV Racing will show four races live from Newmarket, plus the Listed Conqueror Fillies’ Stakes (2:00) at Goodwood and the Thirsk Hunt Cup (2:35).
Inside today’s main piece here’s my look at the four ITV races on Betfred 2,000 Guineas Day. Plus, you’ll find a free tip from Newmarket.
Newmarket
1:45 – Betfred Handicap (Heritage Handicap) – 6f
More Thunder improved sharply dropped to 6f when making a winning seasonal/stable debut over C&D. He’s 3lb well-in under a 5lb penalty and looked strong at the finish last time.
Woodhay Wonder, a three-time C&D winner, made a solid return when third to More Thunder. Quick ground suits and she’s capable of more this season.
Two Tribes doesn’t win often (1-13) but ran well in competitive 6f handicaps last year. He was second on his return at this meeting in 2024 and has De Sousa booked. Stablemate Run Boy Run was narrowly beaten in a valuable Newcastle handicap last time. Best form has come on the AW but arrives race-fit and can’t be ruled out.
Inishfallen likely didn’t stay a mile at Newbury last time. Back at 6f, he’s not the most consistent but has place claims if things fall right.
2:20 – Betfred Suffolk Stakes (Heritage Handicap) – 1m1f
Hand Of God won both 3yo starts, including the Golden Gates at Royal Ascot. He’s up 11lb and returns after a gelding op but could be a Group horse this season. The one to beat.
Arabian Light made it 3 wins from 5 when scoring at Meydan last time. He’s up 6lb in a deeper race, but the stable has a good record in this race.
Approval won on his final 3yo start at Goodwood and is just 4lb higher. He’s open to more progress this season, though fitness is a slight unknown.
Dutch Decoy ended last year out of sorts but ran well on return at Ripon. Second in this race last year and now 9lb lower—dangerous if back on song.
2:55 – Palace House Stakes (Group 3) – 5f
Twilight Calls blew the start but finished well when fourth in this race last year. He’s interesting on stable debut and has a big chance if breaking better.
Washington Heights won the Abernant (6f) here last spring. He’s consistent at Newmarket (form figures: 221) and the drop to 5f shouldn’t be an issue.
Tropical Storm, the sole 3yo, won a Listed race at York last August. It’s hard to judge how good the 3-year-old sprinters, but she comes from a yard who had winners here on Friday
Bright Diamond will enjoy the return to quicker ground and could do better as a 4-year-old. Irish raider She’s Quality has speed and form on fast ground, though she’ll face competition up front.
3:35 – Betfred 2,000 Guineas Stakes (Group 1) – 1m
Field Of Gold looked much improved from two to three when running away with the Craven. A repeat puts him bang there.
Shadow Of Light won the Dewhurst but may not stay a mile. Buick prefers stablemate Ruling Court, who impressed at Meydan on return and could have the speed for this. Connections see him as a Derby contender.
Green Impact won a Leopardstown Group 2, beating Delacroix, who has boosted the form since. I flagged him at 20/1 but trainer’s quiet spell is a concern.
Expanded, Aidan O’Brien’s sole runner, was a close second in the Dewhurst. He’ll stay a mile and is open to progress with just two runs under his belt. The stable bids for a record-extending 11th win in the race.
Having already put up Green Impact I won’t desert him now despite his yards form which to put it mildly is woeful. Ruling Court could be a smart colt, and I prefer him to favourite Field Of Gold. Expanded could give Aidan O’Brien an 11th 2,000 Guineas success and might be worth a saver.
Saturday Selection:
Today’s selection isn’t from the Betfred 2,000 Guineas but it runs in one of the handicaps on the card.
Newmarket
2:20 – Dutch Decoy – 10/1 (each way)
It’s 1,000 Guineas Day tomorrow so there will be a Sunday column this week.
All the best,
John