Juddmonte colt surges in 2,000 Guineas betting after impressive maiden win

Juddmonte colt Publish was propelled to the head of the market for next year's 2,000 Guineas by Coral after winning the 7f maiden in impressive fashion for John and Thady Gosden. 

The imposing son of Kingman, who was making his second start after an unlucky second on his debut here at the start of July, came out on top in a prolonged battle with Godolphin's Catullus to strike by a length and a quarter under James Doyle. 

Publish was cut to 10-1 for next year's Classic with Coral and Ladbrokes ahead of the Aidan O'Brien-trained Albert Einstein, although he is a general 16-1 with other bookmakers. 

Thady Gosden said: "He ran a nice race last time but was unlucky, which can happen here. He had a similar draw as last time, so if they were slowly away we thought we could be in trouble again. 

"James was very positive on him and he responded well. He's got a huge amount of scope to him. For a two-year-old he's definitely on the taller side and he's done plenty of growing."

The race has proved a strong pointer to the 2,000 Guineas in recent years, with 2019 winner Kameko going on to strike at Newmarket the following spring and Ruling Court doing the same this year. 

"We'll see how he comes out of this and make a plan from there," Gosden added. "He could be a nice one for next year, he's certainly got the scope and stature for it. He looks like he could be progressing."

Hope Queen reigns

The Karl Burke-trained Hope Queen fought gamely to remain unbeaten on her second start when landing the feature 7f Listed Star Stakes. 

The daughter of Night Of Thunder had no clear run until jockey Clifford Lee found space a furlong from home, although he was handed a two-day ban for careless riding for the manoeuvre after his mount's determined neck victory over Jennifer Jane.  

"She had to make a bit of room as she was getting blocked and in these conditions you have to make up ground, which she did in the final furlong," said Phillip Robinson, former jockey and racing manager to owner Jaber Abdullah. 

"I thought she played with them at Beverley last time but you never know how good they are. I was impressed again here."

Hope Queen (white cap) chases down Jennifer Jane in the Star StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

The 135,000gns yearling purchase is entered for next month's Lowther Stakes over six furlongs but there is the option of stepping her up in trip, with her dam closely related to 1m2½f York Stakes winner Elarqam. 

"I don't see a mile being a problem, she'll get there," Robinson said. "This is only her second race, so she hasn't had a lot of experience. Fingers crossed, things are going the right way."

Beggar back in front

The Mick Appleby-trained Blind Beggar ended a 16-race losing streak in the 5f handicap.

Blind Beggar (left) wins the 5f handicap for Mick ApplebyCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Ridden by Luke Morris, the 9-1 shot surged to the front in the first two furlongs and held on strongly to claim victory by a length and a half.

"He's dropped to a good mark and jumped much cleaner," Morris said. "I was hoping to get a clean trip for him and then gradually work through the gears. We went an even gallop and I was keen to get the momentum rolling forward." 

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