SAXON ON TOP
O’Brien’s second string to be No.1
THE usual suspects account for the first six in the betting for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas.
Coolmore and the Maktoums both have two, the Qataris have Roaring Lion and Saudi Prince Khalid Abdullah has Expert Eye.
SAXON WARRIOR (3.35, nap) is twice the odds of Aidan O’Brien’s other runner, Gustav Klimt, despite being rated superior to him by Clockform and the official handicapper.
The selection won all his three starts over a mile as a two-year-old, including the Group One Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster where he collared Roaring Lion in the last 50 yards.
Gustav Klimt has yet to contest a Group One or race over a mile. That means he lacks ticks in two important boxes. The going is ideal for him but others appeal more than the favourite.
Masar beat Roaring Lion nine lengths in their Guineas trial, so strictly on that form line has the beating of Saxon Warrior. It is more than likely Roaring Lion had an off day but it was a terrific performance nonetheless.
Elarqam is an unbeaten colt by Frankel that has won his two seven-furlong races easily. Up in class and grade, he appeals each-way at 11-2.
James Garfield is twice the price of Expert Eye despite beating him in their Guineas trial at Newbury last month. He would be the best of the rest and of each-way interest at 25-1.