DOUBLE HANDFUL

John Shaw’s column

NOT so long ago you could rely on the 2,000 Guineas to be won by the horse with the classiest name. Think of Shadeed, Dancing Brave, Nashwan and King Of Kings. The favourite for this year’s race is Gustav Klimt, a horse that sounds more like a low-level undercover Russian spy.

There doesn’t seem to be a standout star in either of this weekend’s 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas, but then horses can improve markedly between the ages of two and three — much like wine, cheese and toddlers.

I’m not keen on Gustav Klimt at around 5-2. He is proven at Group 2 and 3 level but steps up in class today.

It’s very rare I back more than one horse in a race, even in the Grand National.

That said, there were a couple of contenders who caught my eye that appear massively overpriced in a race that has a rich tradition of big-priced horses hitting the frame.

I’ve heard good reports about Raid and Rajasinghe, both were around the 50-1 mark earlier in the week. I’ve thrown each-way money at the pair.

The horse I believe will go on to achieve more than any other in the field is SAXON WARRIOR. In fact he already has, he’s the only one in the field who has won a Grade 1, which I feel is a key pointer. Five of the last 10 winners of this race had already won at the top level going into the 2,000 guineas. Some think Aidan O’Brien’s charge might not be sharp enough for a mile and that is a slight concern. This will probably be the antepost Derby favourite’s last race over a mile before he’s stepped up in trip. The master of Ballydoyle bagged 28 Group 1 wins last year and is bidding to land his ninth 2,000 Guineas today. If you back Saxon Warrior you’re backing the horse with the best form in the race and the best trainer. He has to be the best bet to win the 2,000 Guineas.