The King might be taking centre stage in London but it’s QUEEN OLLY (2.15) that I’m looking forward to seeing at Newmarket.
She had good placed form in Group races behind the likes of Meditate and Mawj last summer.
Her form tailed off later in the season but those below-par efforts were over 7f. She ran over that distance on her debut for George Boughey when midfield in the Nell Gwyn at this track last month.
The return to sprinting will suit her much better.
As a three-year-old she gets weight from all her rivals and the younger generation have won this Listed prize four times in the last five years from less than a third of the runners. Have 2pts each-way at 11-1.
There’s a fair few potential non-stayers in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas.
It might be another Aidan O’Brien domination with both Auguste Rodin and Little Big Bear lining up in the opening Classic of the season with sounds chances but I’m sure HOLLOWAY BOY (4.40) has the ability to be involved.
He won the Royal Ascot ’s Chesham Stakes on his racecourse debut last year and he went on to run well without getting the rub of the green in Group prizes.
His third behind Auguste Rodin in the Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster gives him ground to make up on the favourite but he swerved from one side of the track to the other on testing conditions.
Have 1pt each-way at 16-1. Most bookies are paying out on four places.
RAATEA (2.50) was a little unlucky not to make a winning return when a close third over this course and distance last year.
He found traffic problems when finishing in midfield in this race 12 months ago and he had valid excuses later in the year.
Granted a little more luck he should go very well in this competitive sprint handicap. Have 1pt each-way at 20-1. Plenty of bookies are paying out on six places with Sky Bet going seven.
GREAT MAX (3.25) ran well on his debut for Alice Haynes when fourth behind Jimi Hendrix in the Newbury Spring Cup.
With that comeback run under his belt and faster ground, he could easily turn the tables. This 1m1f distance should be perfect. Have 2pts each-way at 30-1. Most bookies are going five places with Sky Bet stretching to six.
