Informative but frustrating at Newmarket

I have just returned from an informative but frustrating weekend at Newmarket. The feature of the meeting was the ground, which was as quick as I have known it.

Starting with the 2,000 Guineas, Gleneagles was becoming increasingly restless in the pre-paddock and had broken into quite a sweat by the time the horses were at the start. He was, though, a conclusive winner and the best colt in the race. Territories impressed me in the paddock and ran on well from off the pace. I liked his demeanour. Ivawood has scope, as indeed he did last year, and I was surprised he kept on so well. I thought beforehand that Bossy Guest would run well and he might have finished a length closer but for being switched just over a furlong out. Dutch Connection was travelling well on the rails but possibly didn’t stay the mile. Estidhkaar looked in good fettle but my selection Intilaaq was colty for a few minutes in the pre-paddock and looked dull in his coat. He needs more time. Ol’ Man River looked delicate and ran poorly, perhaps not handling the ground.

Looking ahead it’s interesting that Aidan O’Brien has mentioned the Dante Stakes for Ol’ Man River. Things look very undecided for the Ballydoyle horses at the moment. I don’t expect any of the other 2,000 Guineas runners to be aimed at the Derby.

I was not overly impressed with the fillies in the 1,000 Guineas.

Jellicle Ball had the most scope but she ran poorly, possibly due to being in season according to a statement from John Gosden this morning. She apparently didn’t care for the fast ground either. The winner Legatissimo is a medium-sized filly who is bred to thrive over middle distances. She is a half-sister to out-and-out stayer Another Cocktail out of a full sister to Ascot Gold Cup winner Fame And Glory. I would be surprised if she did not take her chance at Epsom. Lucida did well to go so close given she swerved sharply right leaving the stalls. She then had to switch right at halfway but looked the winner when she went into the lead. In the end she was outstayed by the winner. Malabar ran well without showing the same turn of foot that she had at two. She is bred for further and may need more time as she had not come in her coat.

Both Legatissimo and Malabar have sound credentials for Epsom.