Go to War with O’Brien’s second in Command for the QIPCO 2000 Guineas
BILL ESDAILE AND BEN CLEMINSON PREVIEW THE BEST OF THE WEEKEND’S RACING AND FOOTBALL
THE QIPCO British Champions Series starts with a bang at Newmarket tomorrow and the first Classic of the season, the QIPCO 2000 Guineas (3.50pm), is shaping up to be a classic in every sense of the word.
John Gosden’s Kingman has been the horse on everyone’s lips since his breathtaking reappearance in last month’s Greenham at Newbury.
The comparisons with Frankel were aired within seconds of his victory which wasn’t a surprise seeing as his jockey dons the same iconic Prince Khalid Abdullah colours.
This son of Invincible Spirit is destined to go to the very top, but that doesn’t mean he’s necessarily worth backing tomorrow at as short as even money.
Gosden is deeply concerned about risking his new star on quick ground since his pre-season surgery to remove a bone chip and he also isn’t certain to stay a fast run mile. I’m happy to leave him alone at his cramped odds.
Australia is the second coming according to Aidan O’Brien and who am I to question the master trainer? However, on form he should be at least triple his current price and his breeding screams middle distances.
He may well be the next superstar but I’m not willing to take 3/1 to find out, while Toormore just doesn’t look good enough.
Ballydoyle have had plenty of second string Classic winners over the years and everything looks to be falling into place for WAR COMMAND, who can still be backed at 9/1 with Star Sports.
The War Front colt pulverised his rivals in the Coventry and then ended the season with a success in the Dewhurst on this course. Winning those two races would normally guarantee favouritism for the Guineas, but not this time.
Ryan Moore rides and the ground should be perfect for War Command to put his experience to good use.
BILL ESDAILE’S 1-2-3 2000 GUINEAS
1 WAR COMMAND
2 KINGMAN
3 AUSTRALIA