The right side of the road?
Magna Grecia won the 2000 Guineas. He was, probably, the best horse on the day but some will question the result due to two of the first three finishers running on one side of the track.
Was it draw bias? Or was it just the fact that Shine So Bright, who provided the pace, was drawn next to the eventual winner? And does this mean that the runs of Skardu and Madhmoon should be upgraded? They will get a chance for retribution, if that is the word for it, at The Curragh, in the Irish 2,000 Guineas.
For what it’s worth I do think Magna Grecia is a good horse and his only defeat was to Persian King last season. That one is a warm favourite for the French version this Sunday. But more on that later.
Ten Sovereigns probably didn’t stay, and an attempt at the Commonwealth Cup, and a meeting with Calyx, could be next on the cards. Oh I hope so.
Aiden O’Brien (pictured) doubled up, again, in the 1000 Guineas the next day. Hermosa was a slightly surprising winner but she won on merit. She has an Oaks entry and on breeding she should get further. Lady Kaya rewarded her connections with a fantastic run in second place. Great for the smaller owner.
Has talent
Qabala has a Group One in her I’m sure and I haven’t lost faith in Fairyland. She looks a doubtful stayer but she has talent. Iridessa is another who possibly wants further.
Other good performances from the weekend included Mabs Cross winning with a penalty. She is some mare. And it looked a good race with Equilateral running a career best in second. On The Warpath was a comfortable winner of the six furlong handicap on Sunday and could be upped in class sooner rather than later.
Maqsad put herself in the Oaks picture with a five length win in the Pretty Polly Stakes.
