Lively outsider: Teal has high hopes of top-six Guineas finish with Tip Two Win

Tip Two Win may be one of the outsiders for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas but his trainer Roger Teal doesn’t quite see it that way.

Excited at the prospect of competing against the big guns on the Group 1 playing field, Teal believes the Dark Angel colt holds realistic claims of outrunning his 33-1 odds and claiming a top-six finish.

“It’s a big day for us and the horse,” said Teal, who will be saddling his first Classic runner in 11 years with a licence. “Everyone is excited, and a little nervous at the same time.

“Tip Two Win is a lively outsider. If he runs to his best I honestly believe he’ll finish in the first half-dozen.”

2,000 Guineas card

While the likes of Masar and Expert Eye have taken the traditional route to the Newmarket Classic via the Craven and Greenham trials, Tip Two Win arrives at headquarters on the back of two wins in Qatar during the winter.

“We weren’t considering the Guineas at that time,” continued Teal. “He didn’t get into the Breeders’ Cup and Adrian Beaumont from the International Racing Bureau found us a race in Doha that ticked all the boxes. He won that race so well we went back for another.

“We decided if he won that race as well it would be his trial for the Guineas. It was a good opportunity to get some money in the bank for his owners, David and Anne Cowley, before giving the horse a short break. He won, and now it’s all systems go for Newmarket.”

Roger Teal: Tip Two Win will be his first Classic runner

David Probert, who partnered Tip Two Win to both Doha victories, is in the saddle again.

“David gets on really well with him,” said Teal. “Tip Two Win has a massive stride for a little horse. If he can stay balanced in the Dip he won’t be far away.”

The Berkshire-based trainer is of the opinion this is a strong Guineas.

“It’s certainly going to take some winning,” he said. “There are six or seven with live chances. Gustav Klimt and Saxon Warrior set the standard, while Elarqam looked very good in his two starts last year.

“I wouldn’t rule out Headway, who showed a tremendous turn of foot to win at Lingfield, and Expert Eye looked unbeatable when he won at Goodwood. You couldn’t write him off.

“It’s a tremendous race and we’re thrilled to be involved. I hope we can be among them. If we’re in front of them at the finish I’ll be delighted; I’ll see you on the moon!”

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