2000 Guineas - Newmarket Saturday 3rd May 1kh21

I’ve seen nothing this spring to challenge the efforts posted by Ruling Court and Wimbledon Hawkeye in last season’s Acomb Stakes.

Alongside the Doncaster Futurity, the Acomb produced the best 2-year-old time performance of the season. Ruling Court and Wimbledon Hawkeye appeal at odds of 6/1 and 33/1 respectively in the 2000 Guineas.

But…

The favourite, Field Of Gold, comfortably defeated Wimbledon Hawkeye in the Craven just two weeks ago!

Reasons to oppose Field Of Gold:

The pace in the Craven dropped significantly mid-race, and while Field of Gold was impressive, he won a race that ultimately became a test of speed in the final two furlongs.

Come Saturday, with a hopefully more even and exacting pace, we can expect an altogether different test—one that both Ruling Court and Wimbledon Hawkeye have already demonstrated their ability to handle: getting from A to B in quick fashion.

Wimbledon Hawkeye posted his best effort on fast ground in the Acomb. His three subsequent races have been on softer ground. Given the price, it seems reasonable to take a chance that he may perform better on fast ground—conditions he is likely to face on Saturday.

Finally, the price: at 7/4, I am inclined to oppose Field of Gold rather than him.