2,000 Guineas Runners and Riders Confirmed for Newmarket, Plus Early Tip

The long-time ante-post favorite for the season’s first Classic is last year’s champion juvenile. This horse achieved impressive successes in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes and Group 1 Dewhurst on the Rowley Mile course.

Trainer O’Brien removed three horses from the race at the declaration stage, leaving the sole runner for the Ballydoyle and Coolmore axis. These connections will be bidding for their first win in the race since Magna Grecia’s victory in 2019.

Another contender, City of Troy, will bid to become the first winning favorite of the race since Churchill in 2017, who was also from Ballydoyle and Coolmore. This year’s race will feature the smallest field since 2017, with only ten horses participating.

Additional intrigue is added to the contest by unbeaten horses such as Godolphin’s Notable Speech, dual Southwell scorer Night Raider, and the Group 2 Royal Lodge winner Ghostwriter. Last year’s winning owners, Juddmonte, will be represented by the Ralph Beckett-trained Task Force.

The Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner’s form from the Listed Pat Eddery romp at Ascot has held up well, although he needs to find further success to land top honors. Task Force is by a Guineas winner, and out of a Guineas winner (Special Duty), making his performance in the Middle Park worth upgrading.

Lastly, Alyanaabi, Iberian, Inishirin, and Ten Bob Tony complete the field, ensuring a strong and competitive lineup for the race.