2021 Qipco 2,000 Guineas: the runners, the odds, the verdict

Your guide to the Qipco 2,000 Guineas (3.40), the first Classic of the season and Saturday's big race at Newmarket.

3.40 Newmarket Saturday: Qipco 2,000 Guineas racecard and betting

1 Albadri

Two-time winner but lots to find on his best form and well beaten the last twice

Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam
Jockey: Hollie Doyle
Odds: 200-1

2 Battleground

Creditable second at Breeders' Cup and this straight mile should suit better; possibilities

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Jockey: Frankie Dettori
Odds: 9-1

3 Chindit

4-4 on good/good to firm, including Group 2 and 3 wins; respected now up to a mile

Trainer: Richard Hannon
Jockey: Pat Dobbs
Odds: 12-1

4 Devilwala

Fine front-running fourth at 100-1 in the Dewhurst but may be flattered by that form

Trainer: Ralph Beckett
Jockey: Rossa Ryan
Odds: 125-1

2021 Qipco 2,000 Guineas: confirmed runners and riders for Saturday's big race

5 Legion Of Honour

Unexposed and may run better than his big odds suggest but needs significant improvement

Trainer: Roger Varian
Jockey: David Egan
Odds: 40-1

6 Lucky Vega

Big player judged on last year's 6f and 7f form; there can be optimism that he'll stay a mile

Trainer: Jessica Harrington
Jockey: Shane Foley
Odds: 12-1

7 Master Of The Seas

Battled well to win the Craven over C&D recently but others look slightly stronger

Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Jockey: William Buick
Odds: 7-1

8 Mutasaabeq

2-2, both here; much tougher task today but impressed last time and dam won 1,000 Guineas

Trainer: Charlie Hills
Jockey: Jim Crowley
Odds: 5-1

9 Mystery Smiles

3rd in Group 2 and 3 races on last three runs, most recently the Craven; others preferred

Trainer: Andrew Balding
Jockey: Silvestre de Sousa
Odds: 100-1

10 Naval Crown

Creditable performances the last twice, including here, but he looks vulnerable here

Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Jockey: Adam Kirby
Odds: 40-1

11 One Ruler

Strong form last October, including C&D win; in the mix if faster ground isn't an issue

Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Jockey: James Doyle
Odds: 12-1

12 Poetic Flare

Down the field in the Dewhurst but Group 3 and Listed wins since; not ruled out

Trainer: Jim Bolger
Jockey: Kevin Manning
Odds: 18-1

13 Thunder Moon

Exciting turn of foot to win National Stakes; soft ground may not have suited in Dewhurst

Trainer: Joseph O'Brien
Jockey: Declan McDonogh
Odds: 9-2 favourite

14 Van Gogh

4l win in French Group 1 on final two-year-old start; vastly quicker surface for this reappearance

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Jockey: Seamie Heffernan
Odds: 14-1

15 Wembley

Fast-finishing second in 7f Group 1s last autumn; should appreciate tackling a mile

Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Odds: 11-2

The verdict

The Joseph O'Brien-trained Thunder Moon quickened in electric fashion in the National Stakes and is preferred over Lucky Vega.
Ben Hutton

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If you want more on the Guineas:

Aidan O'Brien: 1,000 Guineas hotpot Santa Barbara will be green at Newmarket

Well-fancied 1,000 Guineas contender Saffron Beach 'could be an Oaks filly'

Richard Hannon's track fears for Chindit and the horse he thinks is the biggest threat

Wembley made new favourite for the 2,000 Guineas on Saturday

'He's bang up there' – Mutasaabeq to be supplemented for Qipco 2,000 Guineas

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