2000 Guineas - 2007

A race which will probably be more-so remembered by the absence of two of the start two-year-olds last year, Holy Roman Emperor who was packed off to stud following reports about George Washington’s (2006 Guineas winner) infertility. Then followed the news of the injury to Teofilo, and after taking a walk in the market - Jim Bolger insisted his colt was going well and would run in the 2000 Guineas, that was until last weekend when news emerged that the colt wouldn’t be running, and probably won’t make Epsom either.

Step forward Cockney Rebel, who was quite a good juvenile last year, finishing third behind Vital Equine and Eagle Mountain in last years Champagne Stakes (Group 2). He was overlooked by practically everyone who didn’t believe the horse had the scope to get into the mix here, everyone apart from his trainer Geoff Huffer that is. His next engagement is to be the St James’ Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and attempt to follow up a win in that race for Huffer who won it in 1988 with Persian Heights.

Second placed Vital Equine ran an awesome race, trying to draw the sting out of his rivals he was kicked into a four-length lead at the half-way stage by Chris Catlin, he eventually came back to Cockney Rebel who showed a blistering turn of foot to go past Vital Equine with consummate ease, Vital Equine’s next task is likely to be a tilt at the Irish version where he has a chance of going one better if the winner doesn’t turn up.

Third place went to Dutch Art, who ran a massive race finishing clear on the “Wrong” side and probably would have won according to many people if he’d of raced on the same side as Cockney Rebel and Vital Equine. Coming into the race Dutch Art faced a series of questions regarding his stamina to stay the mile, but after that performance there’s no question that he gets the trip and should be capable of picking up a race this year at the top level.

Duke Of Marmalade ran a decent enough race in fourth but didn’t look like winning, whereas Eagle Mountain was a name to take out the race. Well positioned early, he got outpaced at the half-way stage before making eye-catching headway shortly after Cockney Rebel made his bid for glory, he looks to have the stamina to go over further and at this stage will be a force to be reckoned with in the Epsom Derby if he runs there.

Congratulations to winning connections and to Cockney Rebel.

Advised Bets:
1pt EW - Admiralofthefleet (33/1) Didn’t Run
1pt EW - Haatef (16/1) 10th @ 7/1

The Figures:
Staked: 4pts
Returns: 0pt
Profit/Loss: -4pts