Backers in the dark over colts’ Classic
Much depends on whether Henry Cecil’s unbeaten Craven Stakes winner Twice Over takes his place at Newmarket on May 3.
The son of Observatory features among the list of 30 horses still engaged in the first colts’ Classic, along with Craven runner-up Raven’s Pass and Jim Bolger’s New Approach.
Coral make the latter their 11-4 favourite but admit Twice Over, currently a 5-1 chance, could well usurp him if given the definitive go-ahead to take his chance at Headquarters.
“While the three market leaders in the 1000 all proved their well-being with victories in their respective trials, by contrast, of those confirmed on target for the 2000, only Raven’s Pass has been seen out this year,” said Coral’s David Stevens.
“The big question for punters is whether Craven winner Twice Over will take his chance.
“If he does, such is the following his trainer Henry Cecil has, he could well challenge New Approach for favouritism.”
Stimulation is a 25-1 chance with Coral and big-race sponsor Stan James after his nose victory over Fat Boy in the European Free Handicap at Newmarket last week.
Trainer Hughie Morrison said: “I was delighted with his win and he will find some improvement for that run.
“He seems to have come out of the race really well and I’m very happy with him.”
Although Stimulation is by Australian sprinter Choisir, Morrison believes he should see out the mile trip in the Guineas.
“Stimulation is very laid-back so I would think that he will get the mile,” he added.
Godolphin have left in Fast Company, Racing Post Trophy winner Ibn Khaldun, McCartney and Rio de la Plata, as well as their recent recruit Il Warrd.
Aidan O’Brien can choose from Jupiter Pluvius, Henrythenavigator, One Great Cat and Plan, while Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Nownownow and Sir Gerry are also still involved.
A total of 30 horses have been left in Newmarket’s May 3 Classic as Amaakin, Bruges, Famous Name and Winker Watson were among the 62 defectors.
Meanwhile, connections of Muthabara, a strong fancy for the stanjamesuk.com 1000 Guineas on Sunday week, harbour no doubts about her ability to stay the mile at Newmarket.
Hamdan Al Maktoum’s filly maintained her unbeaten record with an impressive win over seven furlongs at Newbury on Saturday.
Trainer John Dunlop is now counting down the days to May 4 and feels his charge could soon be stepping up even further in trip.
Dunlop said: “She’s very straightforward. She has a good attitude, a good character and she eats very well.
“I spoke to Richard (Hills) and he thinks she’ll stay very well. But so much depends on other things like the draw, the ground and where you’re going to be in the field.
“I think ideally we’d like to be (drawn) in the first four either side,” he said.
Muthabara appeared among the 28 fillies still engaged in the Guineas at the forfeit stage, along with chief market rivals Infallible, Spacious and Natagora.
A total of 46 came out, with Sense Of Joy the most notable.
Ballydoyle maestro Aidan O’Brien has Kitty Matcham, Savethisdanceforme, Psalm and Halfway To Heaven to choose from this term, while Cape Amber, Laureldean Gale and Zarkava are also still entered.
