Review 2.000 Guineas: Thunder spoiled the party!

The 2.000 Guineas – it was a spectacular race! Well, actually people say it was an unsatisfying race. And yes, they might be right, the split into two groups was something everyone hoped it wouldn't happen. However,  in fact didn't that add to the excitement of the race? I felt it did. The two big favourites, one the left, one to the right of the wide, intimidating Rowley Mile - who would prevail? Explosive excitement was in the air when they approached the two furlong marker as the decisive moment drew closer and closer... But then what happened? Someone spoiled the party as they all seemed to underestimate the Richard Hannon runner Night Of Thunder. 40/1! Would you believe it?! The horse was held in high regard in his yard tough, and the trainer did tell that anyone who wanted to know - before the race! And then there was King Kieren of course. A rather unlikely source of glory these days. His career seemed to come towards its end. But suddenly he's back big in business. Was it pure genius not to break the stride of Night Of Thunder when he hang badly in the final furlong? It was, it simply was! Fallon might not be the strongest in the saddle any more, but if comes to tactics, he is still one of the greats!

Kingman ran a good race. Did he empty or idle in the closing stages, when he was clear on his side? Not sure. One thing I know: He won the race on his side, and he won the race against Australia on the other side and he remains an exciting prospect – but please don't compare him to Frankel. If one horse really impressed me, it was in fact AUSTRALIA, though. 1m is certainly short of his best, but he quickened nicely and won comfortable the race on his side, though had simply nothing to race against in the final furlong - until Night Of Thunder was shifting over in the dying strides. Australia must have enhanced his credentials for the Derby. He is too short to have a bet on him for that race, but he should take plenty of beating anyway.

What about the Spanish rider NOOZHOH CANARIAS? He bounced out of the gates and lead the far side group by a frenetic pace. He is a real speed ball! That makes it all the better that he was able to be in front until the final furlong marker. He finished a very respectable sixth in the end. Put this horse in your tracker and follow him once he reverts back to sprint distances. He'll be a real star this season!

There were some disappointments in this race too. Toormore didn't get home. He is better than that. For me he looks more like the perfect 7f horse though. Give him a chance if he drops in trip. He's a good one. Major disappointment was War Command, really. He looked fine before the race, but didn't show anything during the race at all, been beaten early. He was a tremendous 2yo, but the question has to be raised – did he not train on? The next race will tell us. Until then, I'll be inclined to give him another chance. Maybe he is also better over 7f, on quick ground – that might be ideal for him. Kingston Hill was never going to be suited by the ground. He'll need further for sure, and maybe some juice in the ground too. Outstrip and Ertijaal looked ouf their depth.  

Check out all my Guineas photos on Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHsjXfXqZd
---
© Photos: All Florian Christoph/www.Horseracing-International.com - please give credit if you want to use them.