Naval Crown has the form to run a big race for buyers in 2,000 Guineas

Naval Crown
3.40 Newmarket
Buy at 3 on index

There have been plenty of horses make the frame in the 2,000 Guineas at huge prices over the years and there is every chance Naval Crown could add his name to the list of the surprises.

The Charlie Appleby-trained colt has some solid form for a horse who is available at big odds and his last two runs have been his best judged on Racing Post Ratings, so he is improving.

Naval Crown beat last month’s Craven winner Master Of The Seas by a length and three-quarters in a mile Listed race at Meydan in February. That rival pulled his chance away, but Naval Crown was still well on top at the line and the form looks solid for the grade.

He went off 2-1 favourite for the Free Handicap over 7f at this course last month on the back of that effort and ran another solid race when beaten just a neck into second by Tactical. Naval Crown raced freely from the front and probably did a little bit too much early.

The return to a mile in a bigger field should help and, if he settles better, he could easily run into a place. In an open year, it wouldn’t be the biggest of surprises were he to win.

1.50 Newmarket

Sporting (50-25-10) 14-17 Bright Melody, Bell Rock, 10-13 Maydanny, 9-12 Mascat, 8-11 Starcat, 7-9 Dubai Legacy, 5-7 Overwrite, 4-6 The Gill Brothers, 3-5 Al Muffrih, 1-3 Graphite.

Match bet 0-1 Bright Melody/Bell Rock.

2.25 Newmarket

Sporting (50-25-10) 19-22 Lazuli, 10-13 Came From The Dark, Garrus, Judicial, 8-11 Arecibo, Emaraaty Ana, 6-8 Aljady, 4-6 Dubai Station, 2-4 Glamorous Anna.

Match bet -0.25-0.75 Came From The Dark/Garrus.

3.00 Newmarket

Sporting (50-25-10) 21-24 Pyledriver, 20-23 Sir Ron Priestley, 19-22 Al Zaraqaan, 9-12 Pablo Escobarr, Thunderous.

Match bet 0-1 Sir Ron Priestley/Al Zaraqaan.

3.40 Newmarket

Sporting (50-30-20-10-5 (for buyers only)) 16-19 Wembley, 13-16 Thunder Moon, 12-15 Battleground, Mutasaabeq, 9-12 Master Of The Seas, One Ruler, 8-11 Van Gogh, 6-8 Chindit, Poetic Flare, 4-6 Lucky Vega, 1-3 Devilwala, Legion Of Honour, Naval Crown, 0.5-2 Mystery Smiles, 0.1-1 Albadri.

Match bet -0.25-0.75 Wembley/Thunder Moon.

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