Newmarket 2000 and 1000 Guineas 2010

The first classics of the flat season are run tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday at Newmarket over 1 mile. Stanjames.com sponsors both races which are each worth £400,000.00. The 2000 Guineas has St. Nicholas Abbey (pictured) as a warm favourite. Based on his form when winning the Racing Post Trophy at the back end of last season he should take all the beating. One of his stable companions, Fencing Master, ran a great race in the Dewhurst at Newmarket on only his second racecourse appearance last October when he was just beaten by yet another Aidan O’Brien horse in Beethoven. Richard Hannon rates Canford Cliffs the best horse he has trained and he reckons he will stay the mile. This is a stiff mile and he looks more like a sprinter but I am sure Richard Hannon knows more about it than me. Fencing Master might be the each way value to chase home St Nicholas Abbey.

On Sunday, Special Duty also looks a worthy favourite in the 1000 Guineas. Her trainer, Mme C. Head-Maarek, has already saddled three winners of the 1000 Guineas. Special Duty has had a racecourse outing this season which should put her spot on for Sunday.

For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".