Pinatubo set for St James's Palace after losing unbeaten record in Guineas

Last year's champion juvenile Pinatubo is set for a second crack at a mile this month with Charlie Appleby eyeing the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot after his stable star suffered a first defeat in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas.

Pinatubo had earned comparisons with the great Frankel after a dazzling two-year-old campaign but failed to follow in the footsteps of the scintillating 2011 Guineas hero when just over a length third behind winner Kameko.

Frankel, who was rated 2lb lower than Pinatubo at the end of his two-year-old term, was even better at three than he was as a juvenile and it could be that Pinatubo was at his zenith in 2019, but it may be wise not to write him off just yet.

Did Pinatubo fail to stay a mile? Watch the 2,000 Guineas replay

Many sages say the 2,000 Guineas is the final two-year-old race of the season as it comes so early in the year and it could be that a mild winter and the extra month of delay in staging this year's Classic has allowed his rivals to catch up physically and mentally.

Appleby looked to have his best chance of landing his first Newmarket Classic going into the race but is inclined to give Pinatubo a second crack at the trip at the less demanding Ascot.

Kameko (far) lands the Qipco 2,000 Guineas from Wichita (near) and Pinatubo (blue silks)Credit: Edward Whitaker

He said: "Pinatubo travelled well into the race when he had Frankie's horse [Wichita] as his target but when he made his move he got up to their girths and just didn't go any further forward. Obviously I'm disappointed as it's the first time he's been beaten but at least he hasn't fallen out the back of the telly.

"He's had a normal blow after. The first impression would be to take him to the St James's Palace Stakes but we'll speak to connections when we get him home. If he's okay physically there's no reason why we can't turn him around for Ascot as it's a meeting everyone likes and hopefully owners will be able to go by then."

Appleby added: "On reflection it could be that he's put up a decent performance against two good colts in what looked a strong Guineas and it was nice to see Saeed's horse Military March finish fourth and run a nice trial for the Derby."

Pinatubo drifted to 6-4 favourite (from 5-4) with William Hill for the St James's Palace Stakes on June 20.

Read more:

Dream come true for champion Murphy as Kameko lands the ghost town Guineas

The Assessor: no question Kameko has strong Derby credentials after striking success

Our experts pick out the horses who impressed on 2,000 Guineas day

Derby hope Waldkonig to miss Epsom after defeat to stablemate Mishriff

Racing's back! For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets