Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece I’m looking back at Saturday’s first colts classic at Newmarket.

Qipco 2000 Guineas Recap

On paper it looked like one of the better 2000 Guineas. We had the highest rated juvenile since Frankel in City Of Troy.  Rosallion who trainer Richard Hannon considered to be up there with the best he’s trained. We also had the unbeaten Ghostwriter and several unexposed colts capable of further improvement. It was one of the latter who did the business in the first colts classic.

All eyes were on City Of Troy but to my admittedly untrained eye didn’t look like he had grown much over the winter. He was sent off as the 4/6 favourite now you would think if ‘The Lads’ had really thought he was the new Frankel he would have been smashed up on the betting, but he wasn’t.

City Of Troy had a prominent position, if a little keen, but once he was headed three furlongs out, he was soon backpedalling and only beat two home.

Rosallion ridden more prominently than anticipated, surged ahead to the front to head long-time leader Inisherin two furlongs out. Meanwhile, Notable Speech, ridden cold at the back made a strong move to challenge Rosallion from out wide on the far side with a furlong to go. With a superior turn of foot, he took command upon hitting the front to secure victory.

You can watch his win here.

Rosallion's Brave Effort Sets Stage for Royal Ascot Rematch with Notable Speech

Rosallion ran with credit and was out in front a long way from home making himself vulnerable to a strong finisher like the winner. There will be other days for him, and he could be headed for a re-match with winner in the St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

I think going around a bend will suit Rosallion and with a more conservative ride could reverse placings with Notable Speech the next time they meet. That said the winner was dominant in victory and we may not have seen the best of him just yet. The way the winner cruised into the race before quickening up the front was reminiscent of Coroebus’ win for the yard in 2022.

Notable Speech proved to be a significant breaker of trends, becoming the first colt since 1938 to clinch the 2000 Guineas without having raced as a juvenile. This unexpected feat adds to the race's lore and highlights the unpredictability and excitement of horse racing.

Ghostwriter Shows Promise in Fourth Place Finish

Rosallion stablemate Haatem ran a solid race in third, but he didn’t have the class of the pair who finished in front of him.

Ghostwriter ran well in fourth. He didn’t have the speed to match the three that finished in front of him. There should be more to come from him when he steps up to 1m 2f. Connections will now be thinking of the Epsom Derby after this run but I don't he'll stay 1m 4f.

As I mentioned in the Saturday race preview, I had a feeling that Inisherin would exceed expectations for Kevin Ryan, and he did just that by finishing a commendable 4 ¾ lengths behind in 6th place. It's clear there are victories in store for this colt throughout the season.

Regarding City Of Troy's disappointing performance, it will be interesting to see if any explanations emerge. Was it simply a case of needing the run, or has he failed to train on?

It's been noticeable this season that Aidan O'Brien's horses have been requiring their first starts so it could be a case of the former.

Epsom Derby Picture Wide Open After 2000 Guineas Upset

The outcome of the 2000 Guineas has significantly shaken up the Epsom Derby picture.

Auguste Rodin's turnaround from a poor showing in last year's 2000 Guineas to winning the Derby a month later serves as a reminder not to write off City Of Troy's Derby chances just yet. Mind you, even Aidan O’Brien will struggle to turn this one around like he did last year.

With Saturday's race throwing the Derby wide open, the upcoming Derby Trials are going to be very interesting.

I’m away on Sunday and Monday so there’s no selection from me today.

I’ll be looking at the Qipco 1000 Guineas in Tuesday’s column. Plus, there’ll be some future winners for the tracker.

Good luck with your Bank Holiday Monday bets.

John