Bloom backed for Guineas

Red Bloom has been cut to 6-1 favourite from 7-1 by Ladbrokes to give owners Cheveley Park Stud and trainer Sir Michael Stoute back-to-back victories in the UltimateBet.com 1000 Guineas.

Russian Rhythm took the first fillies’ Classic last season when it was run under the Sagitta banner for the final time, and betting confidence in Red Bloom is high.

Ladbrokes today reported a bet of £2,000 (€3,000) each way at 7-1 on the daughter of Selkirk, who ended her juvenile campaign with victory in the Group One Meon Valley Stud Fillies’ Mile at Ascot.

“At this stage the 1000 Guineas is a far more competitive betting contest than the 2000,” said Balthazar Fabricius, of Ladbrokes.

“Red Bloom has been the best backed of the fillies but there is a good spread of money overall, with some dark horses in Phantom Wind and Zaqrah creeping up the market.”

The British-based firm have trimmed the John Gosden-trained Phantom Wind to 10-1 from 12-1 and John Dunlop’s Zaqrah to 16-1 from 20s.