The magnitude of the task facing the Classic generation becomes apparent as the first big deadline of the new season looms on the horizon. The QIPCO 2000 and 1000 Guineas, at Newmarket on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, provide an exacting test that will establish an early pecking order.
The magnitude of the task facing the Classic generation becomes apparent as the first big deadline of the new season looms on the horizon. The QIPCO 2000 and 1000 Guineas, at Newmarket on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, provide an exacting test that will establish an early pecking order.
Godolphin have high hopes of figuring in both Classics. Territories, who turned in a highly impressive first run of the campaign on April 12, has an excellent chance in the 2000 Guineas, while Lucida, one of last season's top-ranking fillies, lines up as a major player in the 1000 Guineas.
Andre Fabre initiated the move to supplement Territories for the colts' Classic, and when a trainer of Fabre's experience and talent, makes such a suggestion, it is wise to take notice.
Fabre last won the 2000 Guineas in 1995 with Pennekamp, owned by Sheikh Mohammed. In a memorable finish, the colt, ridden by Thierry Jarnet, got the better of Celtic Swing, one of the headline horses of that decade.
The legendary French trainer had also won the 2000 Guineas two years earlier, with the explosive Zafonic, who was a class above his rivals. Fabre knows what is required and he is not one to over-rate his horses. By that yardstick alone, Territories comes highly recommended.
There have been any number of pointers on the racecourse to this 2000 Guineas, but arguably the most significant came in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp on Arc Day last October.
Gleneagles won narrowly in a finish that involved scrimmaging. In a scrappy battle to the line, he was first past the post, prevailing by a half a length from Full Mast, with Territories just behind them, a short neck away. Full Mast was awarded the race in the Stewards Room, with Territories promoted to second.
Gleneagles still holds his place at the top of the 2000 Guineas market despite not having run since. On the other hand, Territories finished strongly from back in the field to win the G3 Prix de Fontainebleau, over one mile, at Longchamp, only a couple of weeks ago.
The Godolphin colt is in good heart, and ready to run his race.
Estidhkaar and Ivawood, two Richard Hannon-trained contenders, are both expected to improve greatly on their first-up runs in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury, won by Muhaarar, while Elm Park, the Racing Post Trophy winner, commences a campaign that connections hope will lead to the Investec Derby at Epsom.
A most interesting runner is the Sir Mark Prescott-trained Celestial Path, who won at York and Haydock Park on his way to a creditable third in the Racing Post Trophy, beaten three and a quarter lengths by Elm Park. This colt is by Footstepsinthesand, the 2005 Guineas winner.
The fillies look a relatively even bunch on paper, with Godolphin's Lucida coming into the race with excellent credentials. Trained by Jim Bolger, she finished second in the Moyglare Stakes at the Curragh before travelling to Newmarket to take the Rockfel Stakes. Subsequently, she finished fifth in the Dubai Fillies' Mile at Newmarket.
Found, who finished third in the Moyglare, one place behind Lucida, later won the Prix Marcel Boussac very impressively at Longchamp, which was a fine finale to her juvenile season.
The other Godolphin filly, Local Time, is still relatively untapped, despite her record of six wins from seven starts. Saeed bin Suroor, her trainer, said: "The mile will suit her. She looks really well, she's in good form."
