Leung Ho Yin, Simon's Bio
Simon is a well respected full-time thoroughbred racing commentator specializing in pedigree and overseas international racing. He is currently the presenter on several racing television programmes including, ‘Horse Racing – Results’, ‘Simulcast Preview'’ and Simulcast oversea races.

Newmarket Racecourse – Track Analysis (2,000 Guineas Day)

As the headquarters of British thoroughbred racing, some 60km north-east of London, the Newmarket Racecourse is comprised of two different courses: the Rowley Mile Course and the July Course. The Rowley Mile Course – the battle ground for this weekend’s 2,000 Guineas Day – is a sprawling strip measuring 2000m in length. With a gradual ascent from 800m out, then up again by a much steeper gradient with about 300m to go, any runner that prompts the speed early is called on for a herculean effort, with no covers to make the call at every furlong marker – and dominate its competition all the way from gate to finish. That said, fields generally bunch up towards the stand’s side in the early goings, whereas stalking midfield, or towards the back of the pack for a strong finish, is typically the much-preferred strategy.

With only the G2 2400m Jockey Club Stakes stretching beyond the lone right-hander of this Rowley course, all other races, including the featured G1 1600m 2,000 Guineas Stakes, are to be contested exclusively on the straight course this Saturday – and again, the stand’s side is usually the better place to be. Back to the Jockey Club Stakes, a 2400m test that often post slow panels early, despite that right-hand turn shortly after the break, a wide stall does not hurt as much.

When fifteen classic prospects went to the post for 2020 running of this prestigious prize contested on good to firm turf – and the entire field dropping towards the stand’s side rail for most of the trip, Godolphin’s post-time favourite PINATUBO, drafting midfield early, found headway and pounced on leaders at the 400m marker, yet found no extra in deep stretch, and was only third-best; while the free-wheeling WICHITA faded late for second, eventual winner KAMEKO, saving his best for a strong finish from way off the speed, simply inhaled the field to get the last laugh.

With April showers teasing the Newmarket area as of late – and then some extending into the weekend, soft turf may be on deck for the English season’s opening classic this Saturday. Should such conditions hold, last-minute track condition rates a major bearing on race selections.

Disclaimer:
The above content and information are the personal views and/or opinions of each individual writer and do not represent the views of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its subsidiaries (together, the "HKJC"). The content and information are provided by the writers solely for entertainment purpose only, and should not be construed as a suggestion for anyone to place any bet nor should they be taken and/or relied upon as advice of any kind. The above content and information have not been verified, confirmed and/or endorsed by HKJC and HKJC shall not be liable to any person for any loss or damage suffered by such person as a result of any use or reliance of the above content or information.

HKJC shall not be required to give and does not give any warranty, whether express or implied, arising out of or in connection with the content or information. The Club disclaims any responsibility and accepts no liability (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) for any direct or indirect loss of damage arising from any inaccuracies, omission or typographical errors that may be contained therein. The Club also does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or fitness for purpose of any such information.