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1000 Guineas Day

The early signs are that the 2000 Guineas was a very good renewal despite the interrupted preparations for the first Classic of the season. The time was the fastest in the races history and the horses that were expected to run well beforehand fought out the finish. I am sure it will produce plenty of winners throughout the season. Of course the first thought for most people will be the Derby and my initial thought is that ante-post favourite prior to the Guineas, Military March, will find it hard enough to reverse the form with Kameko, who was very strong at the finish. Hopefully Kameko will turn up and we will know for sure in a four weeks time.

Moving on to Sunday's action and it looks quite a tricky card, with few standout bets, particularly from a price perspective. The Buckhounds Stakes at 1.50 might be the exception as the Mark Johnston trained Communique looks a worthy favourite. While the price has contracted throughout the day, I still feel he is worth a bet at anything around 2/1 as he by far the most likely winner. The case for him is quite simple really. He has won on all four of his visits to Newmarket, the two most recent of those in Group 2 company. In the first of those, he beat Defoe over course and distance, albeit having the run of the race. If he repeats either of those runs, he should win this Listed race with something to spare. He has 6lbs in hand on official ratings and the Johnston horses are absolutely flying. Ryan Moore (who is 1 from 1 on him) is sure to give him a positive ride and he is likely to take some passing.

1 pt win Communique (9/4 Bet365, William Hill, Skybet, Unibet, 2/1 General) Newmarket 1.50

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