1:45 Newmarket
The opener from HQ on 2000 Guineas Day is a trappy 6f handicap.
I like WOODHAM WONDER (9/2) in here for the Tom Ward stable. A progressive three-year-old last season before tailing off towards the end of the season after a tough campaign. He has a fantastic record here at Newmarket, winning three from four starts here. The defeat came on seasonal reappearance where he showed plenty of promise, travelling strongly before just tiring late on. With that run under his belt and the quicker ground here in his favour, I think he’s the one to be with.
2:00 Goodwood
We have one race live from Goodwood, the listed Conqueror Fillies Stakes over the mile.
It is CRIMSON ADVOCATE (5/2) NB for me in here. Last seen chasing home Soprano at Kempton, he appears to enjoy the step up in trip, staying on strongly to just miss out. That was a decent race, and now connections know there are no stamina concerns, I think he’ll be ridden more aggressively. With fitness on his side, I like his chances.
2:20 Newmarket
The 2:20 from Newmarket is the Suffolk Stakes, a heritage handicap run over 1m1f.
I think HAND OF GOD (2/1) NAP may well be a Group horse in a handicap, and I think he can prove this here. Lightly raced, he won the Esher Cup before following that with a decent victory in a Royal Ascot handicap. The yard can get them fit from home, so the break shouldn’t be a concern. Ryan Moore takes the ride.
2:35 Thirsk
We head to Thirsk for one race, the competitive Thirsk Hunt Cup handicap over the mile.
I think OBELIX (5/1) is well-handicapped and he can go close in this trappy affair. He was really eye-catching here on seasonal appearance, staying on strongly to finish a never-nearer 4th. That was over 7f and I do think this mile trip will suit more. 8’7 is a lovely racing weight sneaking in at the bottom and trainer Julie Camacho certainly knows the time of day.
2:55 Newmarket
It’s back to Newmarket for the 2:55, the Group 3 Palace House Stakes over the 5f trip.
I think TWILIGHT CALLS (7/1) is interesting on the back of a stable switch to the Richard Spencer yard. A stiff 5f on quick ground is ideal for him and his stalking style will be well suited to rider Jamie Spencer as we know. The yard can get them ready and I’ll take a chance on him in this competitive Group 3 contest.
3:35 Newmarket
The feature comes up at 3:35, the Group 1 Qipco 2000 Guineas over the famous Newmarket Rowley Mile.
The one for me is RULING COURT (4/1) for the Godolphin operation. The Appleby yard has won two of the last three renewals of this race so he is obviously a good starting point. He sends two here, Ruling Court and Shadow of Light. Given the fact Shadow Of Light was the star 2 year-old last season, it’s fascinating to see William Buick opt for Ruling Court. He won on debut before a Group 3 third in the Acomb at 2. However, he appears to have taken a big step forward over the winter and has since won at Meydan in taking fashion. At the prices, he’s the one I’d side with. I do respect Fields Of Gold, who was impressive in the Craven Stakes and is a worthy favourite. I do think there is too much between the front pair though.