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

4

(1)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Notable Speech

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Not the first time he's failed to fire at Ascot when a disappointing favourite in the Queen Anne, having previously looked better than ever in showing his trademark turn of foot to win the Lockinge at Newbury (good); renowned as a top-class domestic/international miler but he didn't run badly in last year's July Cup and should be fully effective at 7f; while fast ground shows him at his brilliant best, he nearly won a French Group 1 last season on good to soft; commands the utmost respect.

7/2

6th

6

(1)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

Notable Speech

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

High-class miler domestically and internationally, predominantly on good and quicker ground in accordance with his bright turn of foot; readily justified strong market support in the Lockinge at Newbury most recently, registering a fifth success at the top level and looking better than ever; bit to prove at Royal Ascot, having flopped badly in the 2024 St James's Palace Stakes and finished only fourth in this race last year; otherwise a leading player on the figures.

7/4

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

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

5th

9

(8)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 11y

Class 2

16:10 Goodwood

Haatem

9st 7lb

J: James Doyle

T: Richard Hannon

Below-par results this season but he may have needed his reappearance run here and got no run in the Wolferton at Royal Ascot (eased), having won that same Listed contest last year (good to firm); won the Group 2 Vintage Stakes here in his 2yo campaign in 2023; major player if at his best.

5/2

16th

9

(2)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Haatem

9st 5lb

J: James Doyle

T: Richard Hannon

Landed a second win at this meeting when seeing off Galen, King's Gambit and Enfjaar in this race on good to firm 12 months ago; below-par seventh on 1m2f Goodwood reappearance 25 days ago but this has presumably been the target again; the mount of James Doyle from the three Wathnan runners.

11/2

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

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

7th

3

(7)

29th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 99y

Class 1

18:30 Windsor

Ghostwriter

9st 7lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Placed in several Group 1s when trained by Clive Cox; returning from a year off when down the field in the Wolferton at Royal Ascot on stable debut and then ran perfectly well in a Group 3 at Goodwood, albeit one that was steadily run; unlikely he's as good as he was, but still makes plenty of appeal at this level; goes on all ground.

7/2

4th

3

(4)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 218y

Class 1

14:25 Goodwood

Ghostwriter

9st 3lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

He was returning from a year off when down the field in the Wolferton at Royal Ascot in June, and may have needed that first run for Kevin Philippart De Foy; classy performer for Clive Cox prior to £2,000,000 sale, making the frame in several Group 1s, and can have a big say if back to his best.

6/1

12th

8

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Ghostwriter

9st 5lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Sold on the eve of this meeting last year for £2,000,000 and finished a creditable third to Rebel's Romance and Al Riffa in the Group 2 Hardwicke (1m4f, good to firm) a few days later; withdrawn after rearing over being saddled up on an intended start at last year's Newmarket July meeting; subsequently left Clive Cox and hasn't been seen since.

8/1

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

4th

9

(8)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 1

15:00 York

Ten Bob Tony

9st 8lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Prior to this year all his best form was at 7f on ground good or slower, and yet he popped up at 50-1 in a fast-ground Queen Anne and proved that was no flash in the pan with his close fourth to Bow Echo in the Sussex Stakes (again 1m on good to firm), in which he was nearest at the finish having been held up out the back; hard to knock.

6/1

4th

7

(7)

29th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

16:10 Goodwood

Ten Bob Tony

9st 10lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Came off the good pace set by Opera Ballo when 50-1 winner of the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) last time, completing a quickfire June double that was initiated over 7f at Epsom; still unexposed as a miler and has frame possibilities provided the latest piece of form is backed up.

14/1

1st

8

(8)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:30 Ascot

Ten Bob Tony

9st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Acts particularly well on ground softer than good; very useful 7f performer who prevailed narrowly at Epsom ten days ago for a second success in the Group 3 that was formerly the John of Gaunt Stakes and run at Haydock; ran creditably over 1m in 2024 German 2,000 Guineas but this is a stiffer test at the trip and a stiffer assignment to boot.

50/1

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

6th

5

(2)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 York

Night Raider

10st 1lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Has taken time to get to grips with turf and was easily seen off when fourth in this last year; however, a gelding operation in the close season has worked wonders and he followed a Group 3 win with one in a Group 2 at Haydock (5f, good to soft), overcoming a slow start to win in some style; his star has dimmed somewhat at Royal Ascot and Goodwood since, but the return to a flat track offers hope that he can be on song again.

14/1

10th

1

(13)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Night Raider

9st 7lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Returned this year having been gelded and he's been an improved model, winning the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket (5f, good to firm) and the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock (5f, good to soft) before leading home those who raced in the centre group when tenth of 26 overall at Royal Ascot (5f, good to firm); usually front-runs and this speedy track should suit him better than Ascot (ran well in this last year); strong claims despite 3lb penalty.

3/1

10th

8

(6)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Night Raider

9st 7lb

J: James Doyle

T: K R Burke

Turned his back on a brilliant AW career and, after some fruitless efforts on turf in 2025, as when fading into mid-division in this race, the switch has paid off handsomely since he was gelded, the usual front-running tactics working well at Newmarket (good to firm) before he showed he doesn't have to lead when arriving late for a cosy Group 2 win at Haydock (also 5f, good to soft) in May; this stiff 5f asks a question but he could achieve yet more.

13/2

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