1000 Guineas 2014

Tapestry

was unfortunate not to remain unbeaten after her final effort last season. Like her dam, she contested the Debutante and Moyglare before attemping classic glory – I hope she performs slightly better!

Aiden O’Brien saddled both Maybe and Together to be placed in this contest recently, and they also took in both the Debutante and Moyglare. Tapestry has been very much campaigned with this race as a target and she has a leading chance.

Only eight fillies to have filled the frame in the last five years had previously filled the frame in a Group race. This strongly suggests that, at this stage of the season, fillies can take a massive step forward on their juvenile form.

Sandiva

is a two-time Group Three winner, but must improve to make the frame. Her only poor effort came on soft ground, and with proven course form on quicker ground this speedy filly can make her presence felt. She is tough, straight-forward and has the assistance of Frankie Dettori. She can make the frame at a decent price.

Majeyda, Lightning Thunder for me [gone for horses that are entered over 12f later in the year, thinking that a lot of shorter distance types will burn themselves and a few others out] although have backed Sandiva. And Manderley [10 pence each way [ ]] because the girl in the bookies mentioned it when she put the prices up!

Well done to Miss France backers. I didn’t fancy her (but I didn’t really fancy anything this year) and after her modest seasonal debut I couldn’t have backed her. The winner has the physical scope to improve but I don’t think this was a good renewal.

The O’Brien duo were bitterly disappointing and Lucky Kristale might as well have stayed at home for all the part she played. Rizeena showed her skinny odds to be utterly ridiculous and I think we saw some modest horses plying their trade in Group 1 company today.

Can’t argue with the result – the winner is a very classy and capable performer. Quite simply, her trainer is the best in the world.

However, fourteen out of the previous fifteen colts to fill the frame in the 2,000 Guineas had been placed at Group level. Whereas only eight out of the previous fifteen fillies had matched that feat.

It wouldn’t surprise me if, come the end of the season, the top UK based eight furlong filly didn’t compete in this race.

Miss France was the pick of the paddock yesterday, gleaming coat, on her toes and Andre Fabre had already taken the Dahlia Stakes with Esoterique.

Isn’t it amazing that herself and Lightning Thunder virtually reproduced the finish of the Oh So Sharp Stakes last September at Newmarket. In that respect it seems unbelievable that Lightning Thunder went off at such big odds, she must have a big chance in The Oaks along with Gosdens run away winner of the Pretty Polly Taghrooda, although I felt the opposition to her was a little disappointing, she powered home impressively.

Well done to all backers of Miss France and Lightning Thunder.

Talk about coming back down to earth with a bump. After yesterday’s 2000 had me thinking for a moment that Tom Segal was just warming the seat for me, reality has smacked me square in the face, after my 1000 Guineas effort, I clearly couldn’t pick my nose.

I’m not going to do the "on reflection I see why she won", I just didn’t fancy her, and neither of the two I fancied, Tapestry and Joyeuse, finished in the first ten home.

I’ll have the occasional punt on the big races, but I’m already pining for the jumps

Fabre’s stable form wasn’t quite good at the beginning of the season. Most of his wins were acquired in very minor races. Only one of his horses narrowly won a G3 last month.
It seems now the machine is in motion.
I didn’t believe in Miss France’s chances either. More was expected in her come-back at Maisons-Laffitte last time out. I kept this last race as a reference.

I’m not really excited by the fillies at the moment on both sides of the Channel.