The horse racing broadcaster runs through the card for the second Classic of the season and picks out his 1-2-3-4.
Sunday sees the running of the second Classic of the season, the 1000 Guineas. Here is a look at the runners and riders and who may be celebrating come 15:45.
CHANTILLY LACE / Winner of her only start at Salisbury, this is likely to come far too soon in her development and generally the stable’s horses having been coming on for the run (3/29, A/E 0.57 with turf Flat runners so far in 2025). *
DESERT FLOWER / Unbeaten in four juvenile starts, including the Fillies’ Mile here last October by over five lengths. Has reportedly been working really well, including a racecourse gallop on the morning of the Craven. She is clearly a leading player and bids to give Charlie Appleby a first winner in the race, and to end William Buick’s surprisingly poor 1000 Guineas record, having finished no closer than fourth in 16 rides. Given their excellent Rowley Mile records, the 1000 Guineas remains an outlier they will both be keen to correct. *****
DUTY FIRST / Took a major step forward on her return to action with victory in the Fred Darling at Newbury. That was a tricky race to asses, as several fluffed their lines and she was chased home by a bunch of outsiders. That success certainly gives her place claims, but still leaves her shy of what would be required to beat a couple here. ***
ELWATEEN / Winner of a Kempton maiden on her sole start, she has not been seen since that run in August and this looks a very tough assignment so early in her career. *
FLIGHT / Twice saw the back of Desert Flower last season, and third to Merrily in the Oh So Sharp suggest she has a fair few ahead of her. Galloped at the track at the Craven meeting as part of her preparation for this. **
HEY BOO / Chased home Duty First in the Fred Darling when rated just 81 after a couple of low-key victories. Having gone up 20lbs off the back of that, connections may feel there is nothing to lose as she may prove difficult to place as the season progresses. *
LAKE VICTORIA / Carried all before her in a juvenile campaign, landing a Group 1 hat-trick in the Moyglare, Cheveley Park and Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, the latter showing she stays a mile at least under speed conditions. Originally, the stable intimated she would not be ready for this assignment, but in the last few weeks the signals have changed. A top-class filly. *****
RED LETTER / Ran Lake Victoria close in a maiden on debut but was beaten further by her in the Moyglare when not getting a great deal of room. The stable have not scored with their UK runners since the 2019 Ebor, a losing sequence of over 25. She looks best of the rest behind the front pair. ****
REMAAT / Third in what looked a shallow Nell Gwyn, and after a good start to the campaign the yard have been quiet for the last fortnight. Can’t see her being involved. *
SIMMERING / Plenty of good efforts at two but was one of those to disappoint in the Fred Darling. She could make the frame at a decent price if any of the main players fluff their lines. ***
Conclusion
By far the most enthralling of the first two Classics, with a mouthwatering clash between Desert Flower and Lake Victoria – Godolphin vs Coolmore. Hopefully both will give their running, and at the prices and under speed conditions LAKE VICTORIA just gets the vote, but both could be well above the standard usually needed to win and set up the season for the Fillies.
1. LAKE VICTORIA
2. DESERT FLOWER
3. RED LETTER
4. SIMMERING
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