1m (Row) Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes (Group 1) (No Geldings) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (3yo)
Described as ‘our Frankel’ by Coolmore, City Of Troy is a worthy favourite and the race revolves around whether you think he can be beaten. I’m in no rush to take him on but I do think there are other bets in this race as it’s a flat race full of improving three-year-olds mostly making their seasonal reappearances. I’m a big fan of City Of Troy’s sire Justify but I struggle to justify his 125 rating as I don’t think he beat a deep field in the Dewhurst, or any particularly good horse just yet. It’s plausible the strongest formline from last year’s domestic 2yo form was Rosalion’s Pat Eddery Stakes win at Ascot, which produced a tonne of winners at Group level. Unfortunately the Jean-Luc Lagardere winner looks unlikely to get his ground with more rain forecast and has to prove his stamina for the mile and liking for the course. No such concerns exist for GHOSTWRITER who ties in favourably with Rosalion with a line through Al Musmak, who he beat cosily over course and distance in the Royal Lodge. Look further back in the Ascot race and Alyanaabi, who went on to win a Group Three and then chase City Of Troy home in the Dewhurst, was behind Al Musmak so you could even make a case that Ghostwriter isn’t too far behind the favourite on form. 16/1 is generous.
1pt each-way Ghostwriter @16/1, 15:35 Newmarket, Saturday
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