Mak power shocks Guineas big guns

French raider Makfi ran out a shock winner of the StanJames.com 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

The Mikel Delzangles-trained Dubawi colt was sent off at 33-1 on the back of success in the Prix Djebel at Maisons-Laffitte and was settled in the middle of the 19-runner field by Christophe Lemaire.

He made stealthy headway to take the lead passing the furlong marker and stayed on strongly in the closing stages to beat Dick Turpin by a length and a quarter, with Canford Cliffs half a length away in third.

Richard Hannon was a proud man having saddled the second and third.

He said: “They have both run super races, and you can’t really say too much more than that.

“Richard (Hughes) said the Dip didn’t suit him (Canford Cliffs) but a furlong and a half out I still thought he had won it.

“They proved they are two very good horses and I am thrilled with them.”

Clive Cox was equally pleased with fourth home Xtension, saying: “We are delighted with that and Adam (Kirby) said he felt a lot stronger this year.

“We have got all the Group One races covered and he might go to Ireland unless the ground is too soft.”