Battleground holds key
BATTLEGROUND has the ammunition to fire the winning shot in today’s QIPCO 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Last season, BATTLEGROUND (3.40, treble, ITV) impressed when successful at Goodwood and Royal Ascot, and was unfortunate not to land the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland.
If the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt had got a clear run, he would have beaten Fire At Will instead of finishing runner-up.
The imposing son of Found, winner of the 2016 Arc de Triomphe, always gave the impression that he would be a better prospect aged three.
Also, he will not lack assistance with Frankie Dettori taking the ride.
O’Brien, seeking an 11th victory in the race, also saddles favourite Wembley and Van Gogh, held by One Ruler.
Wembley is closely matched with Joseph O’Brien’s Thunder Moon, who beat him at the
Curragh last year when Master Of The Seas was fourth with Lucky Vega fifth.
But on their recent encounter, Wembley came out a better colt than Thunder Moon, suggesting they are not outstanding prospects.
Andrew Balding, successful in last year’s Guineas with Kameko, has the answer in the Suffolk Stakes with BELL ROCK (1.50, ITV).
The gelding won at the track last year off a 5lb lower mark and the rise will be offset by capable apprentice William Carver claiming 5lb today.
With a recent run under his belt, LAZULI (2.25, ITV) will take some catching in the Betfair Palace House Stakes.
Race fitness also swings the verdict in favour of SIR RON PRIESTLEY (3.00, nap, ITV).
He tanked up at Nottingham earlier in the month and the second home, Ocean Wind, flagged up the form when a respectable second to Stradivarius on Wednesday at Ascot.
The five-year-old drops in trip today but has won over this distance in the past.
Last year’s most impressive Great Voltigeur winner Pyledriver commands obvious respect but the lack of a recent outing is likely to find him out.
ACQUITTED (2.40, ITV) gets the nod in Thirsk Hunt Cup.
He is up only a pound for his neck second behind Artistic Rifles, a winner since, at Doncaster last month.
If MAAMORA (2.05, ITV) repeats her running when beating Billesdon Brook at Newmarket last season, she will not be caught at Goodwood. nb, the