HE’S TUBO CHARGED!
RACING fans may not have the chance to crown a new champion in the flesh, but PINATUBO (Newmarket, 3.35) can satisfy all those glued to their televisions with victory in today’s fascinating Qipco 2000 Guineas. Sadly, there will be no crowds flocking to HQ for one of the feature days of the Flat season as the first Classic of the year is run behind closed doors. However, given racing only returned this week under strict restrictions, we should be grateful for the chance to see a three-yearold which, at this stage of his career, is rated higher than the mighty Frankel. Indeed, no juvenile has achieved a loftier rating than Pinatubo in the 21st century and it will be a treat to see if he can emulate his heroics of last season and fight off 14 rivals on the Rowley Mile. Pinatubo has many qualities, one of which is his laid-back attitude, which led trainer Charlie Appleby to begin in modest surroundings by sending his colt to Wolverhampton. Not many British Classic winners have made their racecourse debut at Dunstall Park, although Jack Hobbs was runner-up in the Derby after following the same path.
However, Godolphin soon raised their sights with Pinatubo as he transformed from all-weather winner to Group Two scorer within two months courtesy of successes at Epsom, Royal Ascot and in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood.
That five-length demolition on the Sussex Downs propelled the son of Shamardal into the realms of superstardom, but he surpassed that victory when shipped to Ireland for the National Stakes.
What followed was a marquee performance as the Ballydoyle contingent, including Arizona, were dispatched by nine lengths, stamping Pinatubo as the real deal.
A final start of the campaign brought a more workmanlike, but equally pleasing, two-length defeat of Arizona in the Dewhurst and this afternoon’s rivals will be clinging to the hope a faster surface or lack of race sharpness upsets Pinatubo as he bids to take another step on the road to legend status.
The others may well have closed the gap in the off season, but there is also a chance Appleby’s colt has improved further and he should put his natural class and experience of the track to good use today.
Of those at bigger prices, Kenzai Warrior could outrun his odds, especially if the forecast showers materialise. Trainer Roger Teal saddled his first winner yesterday since the resumption, courtesy of Oxted, and his representative boasts a track win in a game success in Group Three company last autumn.
Racing on the speed has been a favourable tactic at Newmarket this week, so Kenzai Warrior could be a frame contender if he is given an aggressive ride.
MILLISLE (Newmarket, tomorrow, 3.35) would not want much rain given seeing out the mile is not assured, but there is stamina in her pedigree which suggests she could trouble Quadrilateral and Love in the 1000 Guineas.
The impressive winner of the Group One Cheveley Park Stakes last autumn finished her race off powerfully that day under Shane Foley and has some good pace on her side of the track.