Can Coventry winner Rashabar shape into a Guineas contender? Key analysis and quotes for the Greenham

The Greenham Stakes of today is no longer the 2,000 Guineas trial of old. It now seems to be targeted by those whose stamina is in doubt, with just as many future sprinters winning this in recent years as top milers.

That was emphasised in last year's race won by the David O'Meara-trained Esquire. Just four of that 11-runner field attempted a mile subsequently, with only one successful, while the others all dropped back to 6f, including the smart James's Delight.

O'Meara has a similar type this year in Rogue Allegiance. Bought for 190,000gns at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up sale last April, the son of Kodiac was an impressive winner of a 6f novice in December.

The form is nothing special, but he quickened in the manner of a nice prospect. He is bred for speed, so a mile in a Guineas may be a stretch, but he will probably get 7f and smacks of a potential winner of this evolving trial.

Diablo Rojo, Yah Mo Be There and Saracen are also yet to show they stay this distance. The former finished sixth in the Acomb on his only go at the trip, having taken a keen hold and raced wide, while the others are untested.

Saracen was an impressive winner over 6f on his debut in October and is the most interesting of those with a view to the Guineas.

A €500,000 yearling, the son of Siyouni has got some middle-distance form in his pedigree and should have no problem with the longer distance, while the better ground should also not be an issue for this good-moving colt. He looks worth following this year.

Rashabar sets the standard for Brian Meehan, who won this two years ago with subsequent French 2,000 Guineas runner-up Isaac Shelby.

He went close in a pair of French Group 1 races last year, latterly losing out by a neck in the Lagardere over this trip, and will be a big player if able to transfer his exploits abroad back to Britain.

Similar sentiments apply to Al Qudra, who has wintered in the Middle East and was last seen winning the Al Rayyan Mile in Qatar.

Chancellor, a son of 2014 winner Kingman, has a bit to find with Al Qudra from their Ascot clash in July, but he flanked that effort with two emphatic wins and looks a Group-level colt in the making.

Jonquil could build on the promise of his debut victory, while Noble Champion, a 500,000gns Lope De Vega colt who was a stylish winner last time, brings potential to a fascinating contest.
Analysis by Harry Wilson

Another Juddmonte Guineas prospect?

After the success of one 2,000 Guineas entry in the shape of Cosmic Year at Kempton on Wednesday, jockey Oisin Murphy and owners Juddmonte are out to double their options with the former Sir Michael Stoute-trainee Jonquil.

Now with Andrew Balding, the son of Lope de Vega is certainly bred for the Greenham being from the family of the mighty Frankel, who won the race in devastating style in 2011.

Jonquil (near) holds an entry in the 2,000 Guineas for Andrew BaldingCredit: Edward Whitaker

After a debut success at Sandown in August, Jonquil did not back that up in a Listed contest at Doncaster the following month but may well have had excuses and he was always held in some regard by the Stoute camp.

Murphy said: "I've ridden him at home and he's in good shape and is forward in his coat for the time of year. He's a nice type and I'm looking to the race which looks competitive as you would expect."

What they say

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Al Qudra
He is a well-travelled colt, who has been very competitive at the top level. He's coming into this on the back of a nice win in Qatar and should appreciate conditions here, with the sound surface and level track. He's probably slightly more exposed than a couple in the field but he's a solid horse who brings a good standard into the race.

John Gosden, joint-trainer of Chancellor
It's been a long road back for him after he was withdrawn at the start of the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster in September. That came out of the blue and he passed his stalls test this week with no problem. He's pleased us in his work but we expect the race to bring him on.

David Egan, rider of Diablo Rojo
I was really impressed when he won at Lingfield last month and he has the advantage of a run over many in the race. I think the nice flat track will suit over this extra furlong and he wasn't beaten a million miles in the Acomb last year, so he's a classy type.

Ed Walker, trainer of Noble Champion
We think the world of him. You can always forgive a horse a disappointing debut and he got it right when an impressive winner at Lingfield next time.

Sean Levey, rider of Rashabar
I've sat on him a couple of times this spring and he's in good shape. He brings the form to the table from last year and if he reproduces that they all have him to beat.

Tony Elliott, founder of The Rogues Gallery, owners of Rogue Allegiance
We're really excited about him for this year. He's an absolute weapon and we've had people from all around the world trying to buy him. If he carries on with his potential, he could well be a Group 1 horse and we'll find out more here. He's entered in the Guineas but we're not convinced he'll stay a mile.

Alison Begley, racing manager to Al Shaqab, owners of Saracen
He won very well on his only start over a stiff six at the Curragh last year and he's been training well this spring. It's a step up in class but this will tell us whether he's a French Guineas horse or whether he's more of a seven-furlong horse for the Jersey at Royal Ascot.

Richard Spencer, trainer of Ya Mo Be There
We put him away early last year after he won a Listed race at this track over six furlongs and we expect this extra furlong to suit him. He's been pleasing at home but this is very much a starting point.
Reporting by David Milnes

Read more of Saturday's previews:

1.43 Ayr: 'He's a lovely horse with a big future' - key quotes and analysis for competitive novice handicap chase 

2.00 Newbury: 'She should be a big player' - who can lay down a 1,000 Guineas marker in big-field Fred Darling? 

2.15 Ayr: Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton saddle leading contenders in opposition to Willie Mullins' Scottish Champion Hurdle team 

3.12 Newbury: 'He's the one they all have to beat' - find out which Spring Cup runner is fancied by their trainer 

3.35 Ayr: 'He has a lot in his favour, he’ll love the ground and likes the track' - Willie Mullins talks through his Scottish Grand National squad  

4.35 Curragh: Unbeaten Jan Brueghel takes on stablemate Tower Of London and Crystal Black in Alleged cracker 

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