Bookmakers in the dark over Teofilo 2000 Guineas rumours
The Jim Bolger-trained colt drifted markedly on some of the betting exchanges, having started the day as the red-hot favourite, forcing the leading firms, including the sponsors, to suspend their ante-post markets.
Bolger could not be contacted, and Neil Morrice, media and on-course representative for Stan James, said: “We are completely in the dark.
“We remain suspended in the belief that something must be amiss with Teofilo.”
Cashmans and Ladbrokes, however, opted to re-open betting on the Guineas and Derby last evening.
A Cashmans spokesman said: “the word we have received is that Teofilio is fit and well and our betting remains the same.”
Ladbrokes spokesman David Williams said: “We suspended both markets as a precautionary measure, but haven’t found anything to substantiate the rumours about Teofilo.
“We’re now back up and as far as we’re concerned, it’s business as usual.”
Teofilo remains unchanged for both races with Ladbrokes and trades as the 5-4 favourite for the Guineas and as the 5-2 market leader for the Derby.
Ben Clarke of William Hill said: “We started seeing money for a lot of horses prominent in the market with the exception of Teofilo, and with the rumours going around, we decided to suspend the market until the situation becomes clearer.
“As soon as we are aware whether or not there is a problem with Teofilo we will reopen the betting.”
Totesport also decided to leave their market suspended overnight.
Cashmans 2000 Guineas betting: 5/4 Teofilo; 6 Dutch Art; 8 Strategic Prince, 12 Haatef, Mount Nelson; 16 Cockney Rebel, Adagio Eagle Mountain, Evens And Odds; 20 Authorised, Major Cadeaux, Duke Of Marmalade, 25 Truely Royal; 33 Mythical Kid, Go On Be A Tiger, Tariq; 40 Desert Dew, Finicius, Dubais Touch; 50 Vital Equine.
