Ruling Court claims first Classic of the year
So the first Classic of the British season is in the form book, Charlie Appleby has his third 2,000 Guineas winner in four years, and unlike Notable Speech, successful 12 months ago, Ruling Court has a very realistic chance of getting the mile-and-a-half at Epsom next month.
Next stop the Derby? You wouldn’t bet against it, and as the cycle of Epsom trials runs its traditional course through Chester, Lingfield, Leopardstown and York over the next fortnight, Ruling Court has put down the benchmark performance for the premier Classic that a series of Epsom hopefuls will be looking to beat.
The racing family will reconvene here again tomorrow for the 1,000 Guineas, but for now, this is Greg Wood signing off from the Rowley Mile.
Hamilton: 1.25 Hurt You Never 1.55 Ay Gee Ell 2.35 Faylaq 3.05 Sallaal 3.45 Starliner 4.18 Mister Sky Blue 4.53 Spanish Hustle.
Salisbury: 1.30 Waistcoat 2.00 Anthelia 2.30 Liosa 3.10 El Matador 3.50 Just An Hour 4.25 Gold Cup Day 5.00 Wannabeawallaby.
Newmarket: 1.45 Janey Mackers 2.20 Cinderella’s Dream 2.55 Story Horse (nap) 3.35 Desert Flower (nb) 4.10 Twilight Star 4.45 Moonfall 5.20 Watching Stars.
Updated
John Gosden suggested after the 2,000 Guineas that a lack of early pace might have contributed to Field Of Gold’s half-length defeat.
I think William just had that length-and-a-half on us and it’s made the difference at the end, but that’s racing for you. He’s run a great race, he just ran out of race-track.
