The 2000 Guineas — an analysis
Following a close and exciting 1,000 Guineas for the fillies on Easter Monday, attention is now firmly placed on the colts and gelding equivalent, the 2,000 Guineas.
The fillies have really set a very hot pace for the ‘boys’ to follow. With the assured sponsorship of the L P Azar Group of Companies, two horses, Bigman In Town and Willie Goldsmith enter this Classic event unbeaten with both oozing class and strongly buttressed by impressive performances.
A field of 10 face the starter.
1. PISCEAN ROCKET A MARTIN R AZAN
Known to be a leader, who seems not to be fond of running longer than six furlongs. Expected to run 1:43.0 (Traditional – Starry Eyes)
2. BIGMAN IN TOWN O WALKER G SUBRATIE
The first registered foal for her dam My Morning Prayer, while his sire Cowtown Cat is the winner of four Stakes races in the United States, including one of the major prep races for the Kentucky Derby, the Illinois Derby. The ‘Big Man’, as he is known based on his last performance when he clocked 1:39.0 over the same one mile trip of the Guineas, is the overwhelming favourite to give Omar Walker his first Classic win. He packs that rare racing commodity known as class. Bigman In Town seems to be happy coming from behind, staying with the pace or even leading himself. He has the critical attribute of quick acceleration, and has already demonstrated the ability to move from first gear to fourth in a jiffy. The one factor not in his favour is the draw. The number-two post position is not the best coming out of the mile chute with the dummy rails so close and the possibility of congestion to be faced in the first three to four furlongs. Expected time 1:38.3.
3. SWAPPED T SIMPSON W MORRIS
No chance whatsoever (Storm Craft – Gulch’s Reggae)
4. HOVERCRAFT D CARDENAS W DACOSTA
Hovercraft has run only one race since the start of the year going over a trip (seven furlongs) which is a tad short for him. The extra furlong will suit him as he always wins coming from behind. Seems to be one-paced, and will be at his best if the pace is fast. If he makes the anticipated progression he will have a big say in the outcome. Worked very well on Sunday morning and is fit and ready. Expected time 1:41.3. (He’stherealthing -Royal Pizzaz)
5. RUM PUNCH R MCNAUGHTON W DACOSTA
Rum Punch is somewhat limited in scope and, after the demolition job by Big Man In Town in his last race, will only influence this race by his speed for the first three furlongs. (Deputy Report – Exchange Only)
6. PERFECT NEIGHBOUR D NELSON W DACOSTA
He ran well after a long rest to finish second in the Prince Consort behind winner Willie Goldsmith. Seems to prefer coming from behind, but will have to make real improvement to win this one. The trip of a mile is fine for him, and if he is to boost his winning chances Perfect Neighbour must keep close to the pace, if he can, before striking with three furlongs to go. Expected time 1:41.4. (Natural Selection – Desperate Housewife)
7. UNCLE TAF R MAIRS O SHARPE
Uncle Taf promised much after winning his two juvenile races. His three-year-old campaign, mainly against older horses, has been less than desirable and his much-publicised problems at the starting gates have not been fully resolved. Expected to run 1:42.1. (Traditional – Zaza)
8. MIRACLE TRAIN R MITCHELL H PARSARD
The third-place finish by stablemate Go Go Train in the 1,000 Guineas will certainly boost confidence, but even a place finish for Miracle Train is not on the cards. (Miracle Man – Restless Belle)
9. CRUCIAL APPEAL W GRIFFITHS P LYNCH
Crucial Appeal, although having noticeable ability, is not one which can be strongly considered to win the 2,000 Guineas. He is blessed with speed and should be going straight to the lead from his outside draw, but is not expected to influence the race after six furlongs even with the tongue tie on for the first time. Crucial Appeal, unless he changes the way he does things, is seemingly on the path of being a sprinter. (Crucial Trial – Late Appeal)
10. WILLIE GOLDSMITH S ELLIS P CHANG
Willie Goldsmith is the other real class in this event along with Bigman In Town. He is gifted with speed and acceleration, as can be easily discerned from his record of three wins from as many starts. The anticipated clash between ‘Willie’ and Bigman In Town is already whetting the appetite of racing fans. The distance of eight furlongs holds no fears and his chances are greatly improved by drawing 10. He has no horses on his outside and has free run space. Willie should be with the pace before making that decisive move with three furlongs to go. Expected to run 1:40.3. (Traditional – Gracious Gift)
BIGMAN IN TOWN… is the overwhelming favourite to give Omar Walker his first Classic win