Whilst the 2000 Guineas looks likely to fall to one of the favourites, the 1000 Guineas has a far more open look. Up until the eye-catching performance of Hot Snap in the Nell Gwynn Stakes it was anybody’s guess what would be sent off favourite. You had to be impressed with her performance that day in sprinting clear of a useful yardstick in Sky Lantern, especially as it was only her second racecourse appearance. She didn’t seem to know what was expected of her in the early stages but she quickened past some decent fillies in a matter of strides.
Those who were quick off the mark could have got 5-1 about her but she is now half that price and no longer represents value in an open race. I have still have a healthy respect for Sky Lantern and if you have backed her ante-post I would certainly not have given up hope of a return. She looked to have strengthened up through the winter and would have posted an impressive performance but for Sir Henry Cecil’s filly. I would not put you off supporting either on Sunday but there are several other fillies with sound claims.
Any French raider for this contest is worth a second look and What A Name has to be considered. She won the Prix Impudence on her latest start despite meeting trouble in running off a slow early pace. The French trials can be misleading as they invariably dawdle through the opening stages before gradually quickening up. The 1000 Guineas can be a very different race as we discovered last year when Homecoming Queen ran the field ragged. Even so, there are reasons for believing that What A Name can play a leading role here. Her trainer does not waste money on entries abroad and the daughter of Mr Greeley hasn’t been out of the frame in five starts. She looked to have more to offer at the end of seven furlongs last time and looks fairly priced at around 5-1.
Moth is an intriguing supplementary entry from the O’Brien stable after running away with a poor race recently. They had always regarded her as more of an Oaks filly so were surprised when she left her rivals flat-footed over seven furlongs. This is a much tougher assignment and 7-1 looks a bit short to me. Charlie Hills has great hopes of Just The Judge as he bids to follow in his father’s footsteps. She did nothing wrong as a two-year-old but could find one or two of these too sharp first time out. I was not impressed with the trial won by Maureen at Newbury and much prefer Sky Lantern of the Hannon runners.
But the one I fancy to give a good run for each-way supporters is Dermot Weld’s Rasmeyaa. Admittedly she hasn’t raced this season either but was very impressive in winning her maiden last year and is bred to get the mile. This looks a tall order first time out but Weld is another trainer who knows the time of day and would not be running here unless he felt she was in this class.
What A Name 5-1 Paddy Power
Rasmeyaa (each-way) 16-1 Ladbrokes
