Tomahawk carries Murtagh’s hopes for Guineas repeat
The jockey took last year’s Classic on Rock Of Gibraltar, who just held on from better-fancied stable companion Hawk Wing.
And 12 months on Murtagh is once again on what appears to be O’Brien’s second string when he gets the leg up on Tomahawk with stable jockey Michael Kinane opting to ride ante-post favourite Hold That Tiger.
“Tomahawk was a very good two-year-old. He ran second in the Dewhurst and the Dewhurst is usually a good guide to the Classics and I’m hoping for a good run,” Murtagh told Channel 4 attheraces.
“He has two runs under his belt. He’ll be fit and Aidan obviously feels he has a good chance and I think I’m drawn well in stall two.
“I always like the stands’ side at Newmarket and hopefully there’ll be a few that will tow me along.”
Dermot Weld’s unbeaten colt Refuse To Bend has been promoted to 4-1 second favourite by William Hill behind long-time market leader Hold That Tiger, pushing Lateen Sails out to 9-2.
Songlark as well as Lateen Sails, who are both trained by Saeed bin Suroor, represent Godolphin in the 2000 Guineas.
Frankie Dettori rides the main hope Lateen Sails while Jamie Spencer takes the mount on Songlark.
Lateen Sails won his only start last year in a maiden over the course and distance.
He showed a good turn of foot when successful in a mile private trial at Nad Al Sheba earlier this month, beating Graikos by one and three-quarter lengths.
On the Godolphin website bin Suroor said: “Lateen Sails, who won in England last year and took the main Godolphin trial, has been working very well.
“He is a tough horse and he has the class to run a big race in the Guineas. He has a good turn of foot and a mile seems to suit him.”
Lateen Sails is drawn on the far side in 20 of 20 which does not please his jockey.
“I know Rock Of Gibraltar and Golan won there but looking at today’s racing I was disappointed because I think the best ground was definitely on the stands’ side,” Dettori told attheraces.
“But over the years the best horse usually wins so I’m hoping the draw doesn’t make too much difference.
“I would have preferred to be in the middle and have some horses to race with but I’m stuck out there by myself and he’s got it all to do tomorrow.”
Songlark is dropping back in trip and switching surface after finishing a half-length runner-up to Victory Moon in the 10-furlong Group Two UAE Derby on dirt at Nad Al Sheba in March.
The Singspiel colt landed two of his three outings last year, all over a mile at Saint-Cloud, France, including the Group Three Prix Thomas Bryon in October.
Bin Suroor added: “Songlark looked a good horse in the UAE Derby. He has a great chance in the Guineas but I think that a mile and quarter may be his best distance.”
