Dream Castle’s latest work went really well – Bin Suroor

JLT Greenham Stakes | Group 3 | 7f | 3yo colts & geldings | ITV/RUK

Classic winners tend not to emerge from maidens at the Lincoln meeting but Dream Castle has a chance to prove he could buck the trend if putting up a good show in this Guineas trial.

The Godolphin colt made an impressive winning debut at Doncaster 20 days ago to enter the Qipco 2,000 Guineas betting, but faces a much stiffer examination of his potential here.

Dream Castle, a general 20-1 shot for the Guineas, will be joined by fellow Godolphin colt Barney Roy, who was bought by Sheikh Mohammed’s team after winning a Haydock maiden by three and three-quarter lengths on his only start last year.

Barney Roy may be at a race-fitness disadvantage to Dream Castle, as well as the Ballydoyle representative War Secretary, who won a Listed race at Dundalk just ten days ago.

Rich pedigree
Frankel, the sire of Dream Castle, was the last Greenham winner to land the 2,000 Guineas, but winners of this Classic trial often go on to greater things. Two years ago Muhaarar claimed the prize and he ended up champion sprinter, while 2014 winner Kingman went to the top of the mile rankings despite suffering defeat in the 2,000 Guineas at the hands of Night Of Thunder, who he had beaten in the Greenham.

Hannon hope
Night Of Thunder's trainer Richard Hannon is bidding for his first win in the race his father Richard snr won four times between 2007 and 2013.

What they say

Richard Hannon, trainer of Barney Roy
He’s drawn on the outside in stall one of ten, which is not ideal, but the run will do him good. We’ve been pleased with his work and he’s in great form.

Saeed Bin Suroor, trainer of Dream Castle
He won nicely on his first start and his latest piece of work went really well. He’s facing better horses, but we’ve been very happy with his progress.

Michael Dods, trainer of Kings Gift
He’s improved over the winter. He enjoyed a bit of cut in the ground last year and I hope it’s not too firm. It’s competitive, but it’s a starting point.

David Menuisier, trainer of Make Time
He’s really well and has had a good winter. His two runs last year were under very different conditions so I’m not concerned about the fast ground.

Simon Dow, trainer of Mr Scaramanga
It’s a big ask but we felt we’d like to have a go at level weights in a race on a flat track over seven furlongs before we finalise summer plans. He’ll love the fast ground.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Via Serendipity
He’s been working well enough to suggest we’re not being daft taking him to a Guineas trial. If the Classic looks beyond him he’ll be a nice handicapper instead, maybe a Britannia type.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of War Secretary
We’ve been happy with him since his Listed win over the same trip at Dundalk. He’s in good form and we think he’ll get further than a mile.

Angus Gold, racing manager to Hamdan Al Maktoum, owner of Zainhom
He’s a big, galloping horse with a bit of knee action and Sir Michael [Stoute, trainer] has been very happy with him all spring. There’s every chance he might want further in due course; this will tell us more.