GRAND CENTRAL

NEWSBOY’S 1-2-3 1 CENTRAL SQUARE 2 KHAIRAAT 3 SCARLET DRAGON

CENTRAL SQUARE ran a most encouraging race on his return to the Flat, and could be the answer to a tricky puzzle.

Three times a winner for Roger Varian in 2016, including when equipped with blinkers at Doncaster in September, Central Square became the trainer’s first runner over hurdles when eighth at Huntingdon in December.

Varian then sent his Azamour gelding to Newmarket for the ninefurlong handicap that opens the 2,000 Guineas card, and Andrea Atzeni’s mount –minus the headgear – came home in third, beaten a length and threequarters, to Playful Sound.

The handicapper has upped my selection 3lb for that effort but blinkers are back on, and the return to a mile and a quarter should also suit. The going-places Khairaat

has an obvious chance but has been spotted by the bookies. At bigger prices, Mythical Madness

and the Scarlet Dragon returning are others to throw into the melting pot.

IN FORM Khairaat could give Central Square most to think about