May 04 / 15.35 Newmarket

15.35

Good

Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes (Group 1) (No Geldings) (British Champions Series)

  • Prize money: £283550
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
ITV
View Course
Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes (Group 1) (No Geldings) (British Champions Series)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £17.00
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 111 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Dubawi colt who was unraced at two; has quickly developed into a very useful performer at Kempton (1m, AW) this year, readily defying top weight in a conditions race most recently, taking his record to 3-3 and firmly entering the 2,000 Guineas picture; has a bright turn of foot and looks open to any amount of further progress; very interesting participant, assuming he takes to this different scenario on turf debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(3)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:35 Newbury

Notable Speech

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

High-class miler domestically and internationally, predominantly on good and quicker ground; lacked recent match practice when only fourth in this race 12 months ago; bagged the 2,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes in 2024 and completed a North American Grade 1 double, including Breeders' Cup Mile success, last autumn; had no luck in running at Keeneland on reappearance; leading player on best figures.

9/2

4

(4)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Notable Speech

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

High-class miler who landed the 2,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes last year; on several occasions he has shown a smart turn of foot, suggesting he is blessed with speed, and travelled like a colt who may well prove as effective over shorter; only fourth in two top races this term but reportedly worked well in a gallop last weekend, prompting connections to supplement him for this contest at a cost of £36,000; leading player on best form and the drop in distance is well worth exploring.

5/2

4th

8

(6)

17th Jun 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

Notable Speech

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Unproven on ground softer than good; won the 2024 Sussex Stakes (good to firm); disappointing behind Rosallion in the St James's Palace here last year but had beaten that rival in the 2,000 Guineas the time before and was virtually alongside him in this year's Lockinge when the pair lacked recent match practice; on balance they are closely matched, as the ratings reflect, and look set for another engrossing clash; big player.

9/2

5/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 1131-

Last run: 216 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Held in high regard and ended last season with a smart performance in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp, taking record to 3-4 and looking better than the 1l winning margin; had an excuse (soft ground) for his Champagne Stakes defeat the time before; form stacks up well and he's second best behind City Of Troy on ratings in this field, making him a highly significant player; should stay 1m and almost certainly hasn't peaked yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(15)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Ascot

Rosallion

9st 6lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Won the Irish Guineas (1m, good) and St James's Palace (1m here, good to firm) last season; 0-5 this term but has run some mighty races, going extremely close in the Queen Anne over C&D (good to firm) and doing likewise in the Moulin (1m, good to soft) last time; could be thereabouts once more.

5/1

7

(11)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Rosallion

9st 8lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Went very close in the Group 1 Queen Anne at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) then narrowly failed to overhaul Qirat in the Group 1 Sussex at Goodwood (1m, good), with the shock winner having been gifted a clear lead; today's drop back to 7f isn't an obvious positive but this three-time Group 1 winner is a class act who will be tough to beat if the distance isn't an issue.

6/4

4

(5)

30th Jul 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Goodwood

Rosallion

9st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Normally travels and quickens and is suited by good ground or firmer; sparkled in a truncated 2024 campaign that featured wins, looking better than the bare form, in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes (subsequently met with a setback); couple of encouraging efforts since returning to action, beaten only a whisker by Docklands when favourite for slowly run Queen Anne back at Royal Ascot latest; one of the main players.

9/2

25/1

  • Place: £3.80

Form: 1955-1 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Tough colt whose busy 2yo season included a Vintage Stakes win at Goodwood (Group 2; beat Iberian by 1l); showed he's trained on well with a clearcut success in the Craven Stakes (Group 3) over C&D on reappearance, taking record to 3-10; however, looks vulnerable to numerous promising/classier types in this field and he's comfortably held by City Of Troy on two pieces of form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(3)

22nd May 2026

Soft

1m 1f 197y

Class 1

16:17 Goodwood

Haatem

9st 3lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Has form on all types of ground; smart performer whose strong CV includes wins in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood as a 2yo and two Royal Ascot contests, more recently last year's Wolferton (1m2f Listed); best figures give him a major chance at the weights.

7/2

6th

3

(5)

9th Aug 2025

Good

1m 2f 100y

Class 1

15:00 Haydock

Haatem

9st 7lb

J: James Doyle

T: Richard Hannon

Gave a typically tenacious display to win 16-runner Listed race at Royal Ascot in June on his first crack at 1m2f; respectable, running-on third back over 1m for Group 2 there four weeks ago, so it looks as if about 1m2f is indeed his trip these days and he looks set for a bold show.

3/1

2

(8)

12th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:22 Ascot

Haatem

9st 3lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Quality 3yo who was placed in two Guineas before winning the Group 3 Jersey at Royal Ascot that ended up his last run of the season; below par in his first two runs of this campaign (behind Quddwah in France) but got himself back in the good books with a typically tenacious display in winning the 1m2f Listed Wolferton back here; dropping back to 1m is of no concern; strong claims.

9/4

OUR TIP

Form: 111- CD

Last run: 217 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Granddam is sister to Zafonic who won easily in this contest in 1993; yet to race on ground softer than good; unblemished 2yo campaign culminated in a success in the Royal Lodge (Group 2) over C&D, taking record to 3-3 which matches City Of Troy's score but he is about a stone below that rival in terms of form; that aside, he's open to further improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(1)

10th Jul 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newmarket (July)

Ghostwriter

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: Clive Cox

Beaten on last eight starts having gone 3-3 in 2yo campaign (including here and in Group 2); however, the first seven of those defeats were in Group 1 races, with some very creditable performances, and he produced another when third in the Group 2 Hardwicke at Royal Ascot (1m4f, good to firm) last month with Palladium just over 1l further back in fourth; leading claims.

7/4

3rd

7

(2)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Ghostwriter

9st 3lb

J: David Egan

T: Clive Cox

3-3 in 2yo season (including Group 2); 0-7 since and below par in Tattersalls Gold Cup last month but all of those were Group 1 races and he's shown some very strong form, including when third in last August's Juddmonte International (10.2f, good to firm); his dam was a 1m4f winner so there can be hope that today's new trip will suit, and he's a major player if he stays; changed hands for £2,000,000 at Goffs London Sale on Monday (remains with Clive Cox).

6/1

5

(2)

25th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 110y

15:05 Curragh

Ghostwriter

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

Unbeaten as juvenile, including the Royal Lodge; kept to Group 1 company last year, smart form including two Classic fourth places; third behind City Of Troy in the Coral-Eclipse and the International at York; 3/4l behind Los Angeles (fourth) when fifth in the Irish Champion; made a fine start to the campaign with fourth behind race-fit rivals in Dubai Turf.

13/2

16/1

Form: 1412- C

Last run: 203 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Granddam is half-sister to Nashwan who won this contest in 1989; had a racecourse gallop during Craven week here last month; progressive 2yo form includes a Newmarket Group 3 success that is flanked by good efforts in races won by Rosallion (Ascot Listed) and City Of Troy (Dewhurst); however, has work to do to turn the tables on those impressive rivals.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(5)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Alyanaabi

9st 8lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Owen Burrows

Gelded before reappearing in May with a Listed win at Haydock (7f, good to firm); however, he needs a bigger performance to take this and three lesser runs have followed in Group races; the last two were in blinkers, which are now joined by a tongue-tie.

18/1

6th

1

(9)

29th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Goodwood

Alyanaabi

9st 6lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Owen Burrows

Gelded before reappearing in May and winning a Listed race at Haydock (7f, good to firm); however, he needs a bigger performance if he's to take this and two lesser runs have followed in Group 3 races (7f/6f, good/AW); the latest was in first-time blinkers, which are retained.

25/1

3

(6)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:10 Newcastle (AW)

Alyanaabi

9st 5lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Owen Burrows

0-4 over 1m+ last year; dropped in trip and made all in 7f Listed race at Haydock in May but didn't give his running in Group 3 over same C&D three weeks later; now runs in a sprint for the first time since his (winning) debut and also tackles the AW for the first time, so he has a bit to prove, although first-time blinkers could have a positive effect.

11/2

6th
6 (7)
Inisherin

40/1

Form: 2-1 D

Last run: 58 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Dam is closely related to connections' 2023 Queen Anne winner Triple Time; promising colt who finished second in C&D maiden last September, then went one better at Newcastle (1m, AW; readily) in March; his form has received a couple of strong boosts in recent weeks; upped markedly in class but has potential and could go well at big odds.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(12)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Inisherin

9st 4lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

None too consistent since winning the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in 2024, but he was on a going day when making a successful return in the Group 2 Duke Of York (also 6f, good to firm) in May and he fared best of those from single-figure stalls when sixth to Big Mojo in the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock last time; these conditions should suit and he's respected.

12/1

4

(6)

6th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Haydock

Inisherin

9st 5lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Won Group 2 Sandy Lane over C&D (soft) last May and followed up in Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm); below par after in 2024 (including in this); reappeared following wind op and won Group 2 Duke Of York; two lesser runs since; capable, but has to get back on track.

16/1

1

(12)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

16:35 Newmarket (July)

Inisherin

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Inconsistent since winning the 2024 Commonwealth Cup and was below par returned to Royal Ascot last time, failing to back up his reappearance success (beat Flora Of Bermuda) in the Duke of York Stakes; well capable of being involved but isn't guaranteed to give his running; beaten favourite (finished only fifth) in this race 12 months ago; wears first-time headgear.

7/1

20/1

Form: 112-

Last run: 217 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Progressive over 6f on good/firmer last term, winning twice prior to finishing second behind unbeaten Vandeek in the Middle Park here; had wind surgery since; not necessarily just a sprinting prospect as he's bred for this occasion, being by 2,000 Guineas winner Frankel and out of 1,000 Guineas awardee Special Duty; one to consider strongly, given that pedigree.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(5)

27th Sep 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newmarket

Task Force

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Ralph Beckett

prominent, took keen hold early, outpaced and no chance with winner over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong

9/2

4th

8

(3)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 177y

Class 1

13:50 York

Task Force

9st 0lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

dwelt start, took keen hold, in touch with leaders, headway 2f out, keeping on when short of room final 110yds

7/1

3rd

10

(4)

2nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:25 Goodwood

Task Force

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Runner-up in Group 1 Middle Park at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) last September and reappeared with seventh of 11 in the 2,000 Guineas (1m, good); kept on for fair seventh of 19 in the Group 3 Jersey at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) last time and this step back up in to 1m may well be the right move; not discounted in a first-time tongue-tie.

11/2

66/1

Form: 4516-1 C

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Stuck on well to win a conditions race at the Craven meeting here (good) on seasonal debut, recording a time that was quicker than the other 7f contests on that card; useful sort who may have more to offer at the right level but looks well below Guineas standard and will do well to emulate his sire Night Of Thunder, who won this race ten years ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

(5)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 1

15:40 Haydock

Ten Bob Tony

9st 10lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Ed Walker

Reappeared last season with victory in the Group 3 John Of Gaunt over C&D and he signed off the campaign with a fine third in the Group 1 Foret at Longchamp; might have needed the run when fourth in Listed event at the Curragh six weeks ago; versatile in terms of the ground; solid chance.

5/1

4th

2

(6)

28th Mar 2026

Soft To Heavy

0m 7f 0y

15:05 Curragh

Ten Bob Tony

9st 12lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Ed Walker

Reappeared last season with win in Group 3 John Of Gaunt at Haydock (7f, good) in May; ran only three times subsequently; excellent display when third of 16 in the Group 1 Foret at Longchamp in October (7f, very soft); found 6f inadequate at Group 1 level on final start.

7/2

12

(2)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Ten Bob Tony

9st 4lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Reappeared with win in Group 3 John Of Gaunt at Haydock (7f, good) in May and came a creditable third of 16 in the Group 1 Foret at Longchamp (7f, very soft) two weeks ago; however, he'll need a career best to come out on top in this strong field and he's been unplaced on both goes in sprints.

18/1

Form: 111- C

Last run: 203 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Hugely exciting colt who brings high expectations to his 3yo season, having been so impressive during an unbeaten 2yo campaign that featured very powerful displays in the Superlative Stakes (beat Haatem by just over 6l) and Dewhurst (on this track, made all; beat Alyanaabi by just over 3l), earning him the European champion juvenile award for 2023; brilliantly strong at the finish and just keeps on galloping; acts on soft ground; poised to be the next superstar, assuming he trains on well, and sets a tall standard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

12

(5)

21st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

City Of Troy

9st 1lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Champion 2yo last term and has bounced back from his Guineas flop to complete the Derby-Eclipse double this summer, comfortably beating Ambiente Friendly at Epsom (good to soft) then less impressive at Sandown where the deeper ground likely wasn't ideal; still managed to beat subsequent Group 1 scorer Al Riffa last time and comes to this assignment with glowing claims, especially as the long York straight should suit his relentless galloping style; highly talented and top rated.

11/8

1st

4

(8)

6th Jul 2024

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 1

15:35 Sandown

City Of Troy

8st 13lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Champion 2yo last term; comfortably justified favouritism in the Derby (1m4f, good to soft) most recently, bouncing back from the 2,000 Guineas flop that remains his only defeat; tactically versatile and has a powerful engine that, reappearance aside, keeps him galloping relentlessly in the latter stages; trainer has won the Eclipse seven times; brilliant colt who is clear top rated.

1/3

1st

4

(1)

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:30 Epsom

City Of Troy

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Out of a Group 1 winner whose sister won the Oaks; Europe's champion 2yo, having swanned away in a Group 2 at Newmarket (7f, good to soft) on second start and it wasn't any harder work in the Group 1 Dewhurst on the Rowley Mile (soft) next time; therefore it was desperately disappointing to see such a tame reappearance in the 2,000 Guineas (1m, good) when a remote ninth of 11, and while his trainer has been philosophical since, the average punter may feel safer on the fence for now.

3/1

14/1

Form: 1-1

Last run: 45 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Very promising colt who has impressed in two races at Southwell (7f, AW), winning by an aggregate of 14l; had a taste of this course by taking part in a racecourse gallop during Craven week; doesn't look short of speed and there are mixed messages in his pedigree with regard to this new trip; that aside, he looks a high-class prospect and is a fascinating contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(6)

23rd May 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Haydock

Night Raider

9st 6lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Not beaten far in two 5f Group 1s last August/September (good to firm/yielding) and he finally got off the mark on turf when making all in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes at Newmarket (5f, good to firm) three weeks ago; that was his first run since being gelded and he could be tough to reel in.

4/1

1st

5

(4)

2nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Newmarket

Night Raider

9st 9lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Often leads; he's pure quality on the AW (4-4) but has had trouble sustaining his effort on turf, even allowing for being first home on his side in a Group 2 at Goodwood in August; gelded since last seen but whether he'll appreciate this stiff finish is questionable.

8/1

5th

4

(8)

14th Sep 2025

Yielding

0m 5f 0y

15:15 Curragh

Night Raider

9st 6lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Made it 4-4 on AW with a Listed win last November; only one win from nine races on turf; however, comes into the reckoning now following an excellent fourth behind Asfoora in the Nunthorpe. was previously on the wrong side at Goodwood, in a race in which She's Quality was second; might not want it too soft.

8/1

25/1

Form: 1216-

Last run: 203 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Good second to Haatem in the Vintage, then went one better in the Champagne Stakes (Group 2) at Doncaster in which Rosallion met his sole defeat, albeit an excusable one (ground too soft); far from certain to confirm placings with that opponent, and form dipped sharply in the Dewhurst when he finished 9l behind City Of Troy; not the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(11)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:05 Ascot

Iberian

9st 4lb

J: David Egan

T: Charles Hills

Group 2 winner as 2yo; threw away a golden opportunity in 6f Listed race at Doncaster in March when diving to his left inside the final furlong; well below par in the same grade last time and would be a surprise winner here, even if first-time blinkers give him a boost.

50/1

6th

5

(6)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

13:20 Newmarket (July)

Iberian

9st 3lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charles Hills

Group 2 winner as a 2yo; threw away a winning opportunity in a Listed race at Doncaster in March (6f, good to soft) when diving to his left inside the final furlong; this is easier than this summer's earlier turf assignments but he's often slowly away and he isn't one for the faint of heart.

9/2

7th

3

(2)

29th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Goodwood

Iberian

9st 6lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charles Hills

Lightly raced since winning 2yo Group 2 in September 2023 (7f, soft); went close in Listed race on 2025 reappearance (6f, good to soft) and respectable fifth in the Group 1 Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot (6f, good to firm) last time; however, he again looks vulnerable this afternoon.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £74.10
Straight Forecast £125.00
Tricast £1950.32
Trifecta £957.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

City Of Troy

Daily Mirror:

Rosallion

NEWMARKET:

Notable Speech

LAMBOURN:

Ghostwriter

Daily Mail:

Task Force

The Times:

Notable Speech

Telegraph:

Ghostwriter

RP RATINGS:

City Of Troy

TOPSPEED:

City Of Troy

POSTDATA:

City Of Troy

The Guardian:

City Of Troy

D Express:

City Of Troy

The Sun:

City Of Troy

The Star:

Rosallion

Daily Record:

Rosallion