50-1 shot Raid the dark horse in 2,000 Guineas says Redvers

Race sponsor Sheikh Fahad is set to have two runners in a bid to land the Qipco 2,000 Guineas for the first time – and it was the outsider of his duo, rather than the shorter-priced Roaring Lion, whose praises were being sung by the owner’s racing manager David Redvers on Wednesday.

Speaking at a launch lunch for the two-day Guineas festival at the Rowley Mile, Redvers asked fellow panellist, bet365's Pat Cooney, for an each-way bet on Greenham Stakes fourth Raid.

After being quoted 50-1 for the David Simcock-trained runner, Redvers said: "I'll have £100 each-way as this is the dark horse of the race for me and he worked excellently this morning.

"He was last off the bridle in the Greenham and then blew up in the last 50 yards. David has real confidence in him and I could absolutely see him finishing in the frame."

Of their other candidate, Craven Stakes third Roaring Lion, he added: "His trainer John Gosden said the horse was only 80 per cent fit in the Craven. He looked a bit tubby in the paddock and ran like it.

"He met an impressive winner in Masar there but showed his wellbeing this morning. I'd expect Oisin Murphy to ride him and we're still taking interviews for the ride on Raid."

Guineas entries

Also on the panel were Richard Spencer, trainer of Rajasinghe, and William Haggas, who fields Headway.

Unlike Redvers, Haggas was not inquiring about a price for his runner – the Royal Ascot Racing Club hope is a 25-1 chance – and said: "I think he has a lot to find. He won the Spring Cup in good style at Lingfield but the second horse got rolled over in the Free Handicap.

"If it dries up a bit he's got a better chance. I think he'll get the trip and it's an open race. It could be that he's more of a summer horse for Royal Ascot, where the Jersey Stakes may be his thing."

Headway: will have Jamie Spencer in the saddle on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images

Jamie Spencer has been booked to ride Headway, and the jockey said: "I rode him this morning and he felt good. He’s very similar to his sire [Havana Gold] and, like him, needs fast ground. He was very impressive at Lingfield and hopefully the ground will dry out over the next few days."

Rajasinghe's trainer Spencer reported: "A recent racecourse gallop has brought him on a hell of a lot. His last bit of work today was extraordinary and we're well on course for Saturday.”

Rajasinghe, who won the Coventry last year, will be ridden by Adam Kirby, who added: “I rode him this morning and he’s in good form. He’s moving well, his wind is clear and he’s ready to run.

"He gave me a nice feel and has a good attitude. It’s obvious he’s got class from his two-year-old form, and he’s still got that now. It’s an exciting day for both me and Richard. Let’s hope he runs a big race.”

It was raining through much of the morning and early afternoon on the Rowley Mile on Wednesday, but clerk of the course Michael Prosser is hopeful it will dry out by the weekend.

He said: “It's been raining this afternoon but has now stopped and it could amount to around 6mm. We may get a shower after that, but it’s forecast to be dry through to Sunday.

"It was good to soft, good in places this morning and we may have gone backwards since then, but I expect it to be not far off good by Saturday."

Heffernan to ride Guineas favourite