 Expert - Bill Esdaile | |
|---|---|
| Bill Esdaile has worked in racing journalism in the United Kingdom for over 20 years. He began his working career at the Sporting Life back in 1995, and has since worked for the Racing Post, The Sportsman, and is currently racing editor of London-based City AM. He is a keen form student, and will bring a unique insight into the major European races. | |
Expert Column for 1000 Guineas (S2-1) (Bill Esdaile)
S2-1 1000 Guineas
The 1,600m G1 1000 Guineas has an intriguing, multi-national field and promises to be a compelling contest.
French trainer Christopher Head sends RAMATUELLE here, having been narrowly beaten when reappearing in the G3 Prix Imprudence over 1,400m at Deauville a month ago. This filly had an excellent 2YO campaign, finishing second by just a short neck to a top-quality colt in the 1,200m G1 Prix Morny in August. She goes on any ground and, although trying 1,600m for the first time here, she is well proven at this level and should have a strong chance.
DANCE SEQUENCE began her season last month in a similar fashion to RAMATUELLE, only just beaten in the 1,400m G3 Nell Gwyn Stakes at this track, having won both her starts here last year. She won’t mind a little rain, goes well at Newmarket and may find that the step up to 1,600m allows her to improve to G1 level nicely. Trainer Charlie Appleby has had a typically good start to the season and this filly should be a major player.
Aidan O’Brien’s YLANG YLANG, unlike RAMATUELLE and DANCE SEQUENCE, comes here without a prep run, but is one of few in the field who is proven over course and distance, having won the G1 Fillies’ Mile over 1,600m here in October. A top-class filly, she is most effective in softer conditions, so will be hoping for some rain, but has run well in both her career starts at this track and should do so again.
Karl Burke’s FALLEN ANGEL was last seen winning the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes over 1,400m at the Curragh in September and is the top-rated filly in this race. Having won at Newmarket before over 1,400m, she should have a strong chance, but might be just shy of her best if it rains, so connections will be hoping for dry weather.
STAR STYLE, while among the least experienced of the field, was very impressive on her debut over 1,400m in April this year, winning by 5.5 lengths on good to soft ground. That run suggested serious ability and ground versatility, and her trainer, Richard Hannon’s 3YOs have been doing very well this season so far. If showing the same talent here, she should be in the mix.
SELECTIONS: 8. RAMATUELLE, 2. DANCE SEQUENCE, 16. YLANG YLANG, 5. FALLEN ANGEL & 14. STAR STYLE
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