2000 Guineas Preview

 

An evenly matched field of fourteen will go to the post in The 2000 Guineas.  Lukewarm favoritism at 7-1 is shared by Wayne’s Hezafastkat and Tazdevil’s Danedream.  Here are the contestants in post position order.

 

Breaking from the hedge is front running 9-1 shot Starring The Skunk.  I’m thinking you can probably identify this guy’s connections without my having to spell it out for you.  His trainer used Sea The Stars to cover sensational Kingmambo race mare and budding broodmare superstar Skunking Alishan.  The resultant foal arrives on a five race winning streak.  Last time out he dusted a very good Grade II collection in South Africa.  I can find no fault with this one.  Six in a row?

 

 

Co-favorites line up next to each other in posts two and three.  Texasace has another star.  Dog bites man.  Taxes are going up.  Ho hum.  Wayne’s rapidly improving Hezafastcat punched his Guineas ticket last time out by annexing the Grade III Dracula in Kentucky.  The big bay Dansili colt stalked a quick pace, poked a nose in front nearing the three quarters (1:08.01) and held sway under strong handling to score in a dazzling 1:33.85 (114 SP).  Needs only replicate that mile to emerge victorious on Saturday afternoon.

 

 

Tazdevil’s multiple graded winner Danedream has won seven of nine lifetime starts.  As with the two inside him, he won a graded stake last time out.  Danedream’s victims were in Victoria’s Golden Rose.  The flashy chestnut son of Danehill Dancer and Interzone (Street Cry) went pillar to post in 1:34.42.  Every speed figure since race one has met or exceeded the previous one.  If it happens again, he will most likely be standing in the winners circle. 

 

 

Never look a gift horse in the mouth.  Kwin Star has won five of nine for trainer Cuetec.  Looked good two back taking a listed stake with a 104 speed figure right here over a soft course.  His three graded efforts were all disappointing.  Needs to step up to compete with this group.

 

 

Queensland based Sun Dynasty appears to be a strong contender.  Bred and conditioned by popular chat room denizen Masterm, the handsome Monsun colt reeled off four straight to begin his career.  Two back he won the Grade II Fainting Goat very impressively.  Last time out he tasted defeat for the first time chasing, but falling just short of, the well intended Starring The Skunk.  With all the speed in here, Matt’s beaten favorite may be all set to make amends with his deadly stalk and pounce tactics.  Big shot. 

 

 

Tracy Ann Squirrel’s Eclipse champion and Breeders’ Bowl hero, Guinness Road, adds luster to an already star studded cast.  Following his championship year, the Galileo x Starling Road (Kris S) colt prepped for his 2013 campaign in Vermont.  The champ needed a start to shake off the rust after his ten week break.  Came back last time out and looked sharp winning the Grade III Phar Lap.  The Rodent Queen has her pride and joy all pumped up for this test.  Watch out!     

 

 

Boble’s Pure Agony is interesting.   Another example of something this reporter has seen over and over again while covering big events.  A well bred (Oasis Dream x Kingmambo) but poorly performed mare producing a graded winner.  Mom won only one race and never earned a speed figure over 86.  But her baby, by Fuji Kiski, is a runner!  Won a G-3 third lifetime start and currently riding a three race winning streak in listed events.  Needs only minor improvement to factor.

 

 

Bustin Chops is three for five lifetime and won a listed stake last time out.  Improving right along.  Problem is, Pointblank’s Malibu Moon colt meets a whole different class of foes this week.  Very nice horse in a very tough spot.

 

 

The nine and ten both belong to Given.  I suppose we can excuse the stubborn Mr. Silver for trying to make Fealty a dirt runner.  Dad (Curlin) was a beast on dirt and has produced a bunch of top dirt runners.  Mom (The Word) was a dual millionaire and multiple Grade I winner on dirt.  But the kid hates getting dirty. Ewwwwwwwwww!  I want GRASS! he screams.  Does Dan listen? Noooooooooooooo.  He throws him back on dirt in The Florida Derby.  OK, I exaggerated a teensy bit.  Fealty is a respectable two for four on dirt and his Florida Derby was actually pretty darn good (he got a check and beat MY horse).  But Fealty is a perfect five for five on the lawn including a G-1 in Vermont.  Get the picture?

 

 

The other Given runner is not nearly as accomplished…yet.  Dandy Dundee (Arch x Forty Niner) is five for eight lifetime and three for three at a mile on grass including two listed wins.  Exits a second place finish in Delaware where he was run down late as the chalk.  I think this guy is going to be pretty good some day  and could be a factor here if he steps forward. 

 

 

Sahara Buda is there or thereabouts in graded stakes like clockwork.  Won a G-2.  Finished second or third in a trio of G-1 races.  And most recently was second in a pair of G-2 efforts.  Last time out fell just a half length short of Hezafastcat in The Dracula.  Montjeu sprinter is a fourth generation Godmother creation based on superb he-mare, Sahara Desert, and tracing back to veteran warhorse Dusty Sal.  Showed last time he can get the distance.  Dangerous.

 

 

DelPenn bad boy Sdmf sends out 22-1 long shot Caprici Di Diablo.  Henrythenavigator colt is graded placed and has missed the board only once in ten lifetime races.  But that’s how tough this field is.  Looked good winning a nw2 allowance going 9.5 last start.  And mom was a terrific mare winning a G-1 and over a million dollars.  Bright future.

 

 

The shadow knows.  Neonshadow Racing that is.  Their undefeated Shipping Town looks to go seven for seven in The 2000 Guineas.  The rangy High Chaparral colt has done everything asked of him and done it easily.  I watched replays of several races.  Nobody looks any better than this guy.  Won The G-3 Irish Guineas Trial for fun under a hand ride in 1:34.28 (110 SP) last time out.  Locked, cocked and ready to rock!           

 

 

 

Rounding out our field is G-1 winner Pica Sour.  Woette’s classy son of Makfi and the good race mare Woette’s Picaso (Ghostzapper) has missed the board only once.  Most recently Pica Sour was third chasing home the aforementioned Shipping Town.  This colt is already a millionaire after only seven races.  Speed figs only a hair off the top ones.  Could surprise with best effort.