SANDRACER.COM ~ ALL WEATHER RACING BLOG

Contender Summaries

The current favourite ~ trained by John and Thady Gosden and ridden by Kieran Shoemark ~ Field Of Gold is a Juddmonte star. His emphatic Craven Stakes win marked him as a serious contender ~ emulating past Gosden Guineas heroes. His juvenile form was strong ~ with a Group 3 win ~ and hes reportedly sharper now. His ability to quicken on good ground suits Newmarket ~ and his draw in stall 10 offers options. With a pedigree suggesting further improvement ~ hes the one to beat ~ though pressure as favourite looms. Expect a strong pace~setting run.

Charlie Applebys Godolphin hope ~ ridden by William Buick ~ Ruling Court is a market mover after a dominant Dubai win in March. Costing €2.3 million ~ his pedigree screams class ~ sired by Justify. His juvenile form was promising ~ though untested at Group 1 level. Buicks choice over stablemate Shadow Of Light signals confidence ~ but his freshness could be a double~edged sword. The wide draw in stall 11 demands a smart ride. If he handles the step up and settles early ~ his finishing kick could challenge the leaders. Obviously a major player.

Godolphins second string ~ trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Mickael Barzalona ~ Shadow Of Light won the Dewhurst ~ beating Expanded. His juvenile campaign was flawless ~ with three wins ~ showcasing a devastating turn of foot. Barzalona steps in due to James Doyles injury ~ adding intrigue. His draw in stall 2 suits his front-running style ~ but Buicks preference for Ruling Court raises big questions. If he replicates his Dewhurst form ~ hes a massive threat ~ though his seasonal debut adds risk. Expect him to set a strong pace early.

Aidan O'Briens sole runner ~ ridden by Ryan Moore ~ Expanded is a colt with serious potential. A neck behind Shadow Of Light in the Dewhurst ~ hes been kept fresh for this ~ bypassing spring trials. His juvenile form includes a strong second in the National Stakes ~ showing he can handle top competition. O'Briens decision to withdraw his other entries signals confidence in Expandeds readiness. His stamina and tactical speed suit the Rowley Miles demands ~ but hell need to prove he can peak first-up. A clean run could see him in the frame.

Joseph OBriens colt ~ with Dylan Browne McMonagle aboard ~ makes his Guineas debut after a Group 1 National Stakes win. His juvenile campaign showed versatility ~ handling varied ground and distances. His draw in stall 1 could see him hug the rail ~ saving ground ~ but hell need to avoid being boxed in. O'Briens meticulous preparation suggests hes primed ~ and his turn of foot could trouble rivals. Less heralded than Field Of Gold or Ruling Court ~ hes a lively outsider with upset potential if the pace suits his closing style.

Jessica Harringtons colt ~ ridden by Shane Foley ~ adds some Irish green. A Group 2 winner as a juvenile ~ he showed grit in soft ground conditions ~ but his ability on good going is less certain. His preparation has been quiet ~ and Harringtons knack for springing surprises makes him intriguing. Green Impacts draw in stall 7 allows a stalking position ~ but hell need to find extra to match the favourites. His stamina could help in a fast-run race ~ though hes likely an outsider for the podium unless conditions soften. A slight EW chance.

Trained by James Owen and ridden by Harry Davies ~ Wimbledon Hawkeye was a strong juvenile ~ finishing second to Field Of Gold in the Craven Stakes. His Group 3 win at Kempton shows he can handle a mile ~ but his draw in stall 5 requires a sharp start. Owens small stable punching above its weight adds charm ~ but hell need to find more to overturn his Craven defeat. His consistency makes him a place contender ~ though a win would demand significant progress against better opposition for sure.

Hugo Palmers colt ~ ridden by Tom Marquand ~ carries the hopes of a syndicate including Brighton footballers James Milner and Danny Welbeck. His juvenile form was inconsistent ~ with a strong Group 2 placing but a fade in the Dewhurst. His draw in stall 8 offers flexibility ~ but hell need to rediscover his best to compete. Palmers optimism hinges on Seagulls Elevens winter progress ~ though he faces a tall order against proven Group 1 performers. A sentimental pick ~ hes likely a long shot unless he finds significant improvement.

Saeed bin Suroors colt ~ with Silvestre De Sousa in the saddle ~ is a long shot. His juvenile form includes a Listed win ~ but hes untested at Group 1 level. His draw in stall 6 offers a midfield chance ~ but hell need a career~best performance to trouble the principals. Bin Suroors Guineas pedigree adds some hope ~ yet Tornado Alerts lack of top tier experience makes him an outsider. His speed could see him hang on for a minor placing if the favourites falter ~ but a win would be a major upset.

Richard Spencers colt ~ ridden by Jamie Spencer ~ carries owner Phil Cunninghams hopes of repeating his 2007 Guineas win with Cockney Rebel. His juvenile form was decent ~ with a Group 3 placing ~ but a fifth in the Craven suggests hes up against it. His draw in stall 4 allows a stalking ride ~ but hell need a pace collapse to feature. Spencers experience could maximize his chances ~ yet hes a long shot unless he finds dramatic improvement. A sentimental EW pick at best.

Trained by Raphael E. Freire and ridden by David Egan ~ Benevento brings solid juvenile form with a Group 3 win in France. His 2024 campaign showed promise ~ finishing fourth in the Dewhurst Stakes ~ but hell need to step up to challenge the top contenders. His speed suits the mile ~ and Freires confidence in his condition suggests readiness. Beneventos ability to handle good ground and his tactical versatility make him a dark horse ~ though his odds say he's got no chance. Maybe a bold showing can happen if he breaks cleanly and settles early.