If things work out in my ante-post film/dream then thankfully Royal Meeting in the main has gone more or less under the radar, and still 100+ on here still considering he's a juvenile  G1SW over 7f, a son of a top class stallion in Invincible Spirit (Kingsman, Charm Spirit and Territories, and Magna Grecia), half-brother to Heavy Metal out of  G1SW champion SAf juvinile filly and trained by 11 times Classic winning Saeed bin Suroor. It maybe exactly 20 years ago since he last won the race but this past year he had two juvenile G1SW's in Royal Marine and Royal Meeting. In my imagination RMarine is a sighter in the Craven following his poor Meydan run, whereas RMeeting is hopefully following SBS first-time out pattern of his previous winners Island Sands and Mark of Esteem who he didn't even train as juveniles. By my reading Christophe Soumillion in a ATR interview seemed to mistakenly supercede RMarine in his ranking of his classic potential horses hoping he had done well over the winter before adding on RMeeting, however, he'd already obviously ridden the former in Dubai.


I've been totally dismissive of Too Darn Hot, as he lacks scope, gets outpaced, is another overrated champion juvenile, his trainer has never won the race and he has two ill-fated classic-wise siblings. Heat on the splint now innit! Fragile family if you ask me.

If I'm wrong it won't be unusual but the journey until the 2nd entry and maybe the confirmation stage is still alive.
Bee lucky.

i think the decision has already been made in regards too darn hot judging by betfair normal bollox "we'll make a decision at the weekend" john gosden then layed at ease on here...shame always like the argument and now we can't have one

Someone was prepared to back TDH at 6.2 here for over £150 despite TDH is a doubtful runner - inside info or pure foolhardiness?

No surprise Magna Grecia is friendless. He doesn't even look quick enough for a Derby never mind a Guineas.

Betfair pulled the plug on the wild fluctuation of TDH soon after he was laid at 100. I'd expect the guillotine descending on his [participation very soon.

Fabre has updated the aim of Persian King: No change of original plan despite the scratching of TDH; the French 2000G is still the aim unless significant weather change at Newmarket; Persian King prefers softer ground.

This year's renewal could turn out to be a mediocre one with no-shows from TDH, Quorto, and possible no shows from Persian King, Anthony Van Dyck and Calyx - the 5 highest rated 2 yr olds last year.

If so, another kick-in-the-teeth for antepost punters so soon after the announcement of the non-participation of TDH late yesterday afternoon.

I'd agree about TDH eg 5/4 prior to Greenham. But, he was 4/1 in the winter, with Persian King 40/1 with """365. Antepost could pay dividends (big time) eg Ten Sovereigns (25/1 with 'billies' in Aug) -if lucky and correctly timed. But one must be prepared for any eventuality eg trading for a 'free ride'.

Bizarrely, PK was backed into fav again earlier today as if a decision had been definitively made for him to run at HQ. Now this statement from Fabre. As an AP backer, you have to accept the pitfalls but this is particularly galling given the TDH no-show & the 2 Godolphin horses disappointing in the Craven - which were previously put forward as the key caveats regarding his participation.

Virtually certain to line up in the French 2,000 Guineas instead, unless there is heavy rain at Longchamp turning the ground soft which would likely see him re-routed to Newmarket. He has C&D form at Newmarket, very likely good ground or quicker… Fabre used to like to target the 2,000 Guineas so I do find it strange he favours the French equivalent. Also has the beating of Magna Grecia and Ten Sovereigns has to be a suspect stayer granted a proper gallop. Disappointing.

Sorry, I meant Persian King would prefer a sounder surface ie no deluge.

I can't see Ten Sovereigns or Mohaather (the only two significantly quicker horses on my clock) staying

Up to now I don't think Mohaather has shown enough speed to suggest he's up to winning a Guineas, but regarding Ten Sovereigns, why do you think he won't stay?

I think one that could give MG (suited by a strong pace) most to do, and could still be improving is Skardu - he's improved since his last run - taken his upgrade comfortably; Royal Marine, Mohaather and Pheonix of Spain are good, but less scope for further improvement; Ten Sovereigns is pacey thus might not stay.

Advertise is yet to be seen, and Anthony Van Dyck (uninjured and highest rated) is an unlikely runner (at present).

i wouldnt give up yet on persian king coming over ,fabre has changed his mind 3 times already in around 6 weeks  1st its he will go for english gns next breath its french but if the fancied ones come out then english , then today its french gns .so no big shock if he changed tack again

Persian King backers have probably done their money but their best hope might lie with the owners.

Godolphin has other entries in the Guineas but most are rags. The shortest at 6/1 is Royal Marine who was only fourth in the Craven, although there were excuses. Even so, did Royal Marine ever look like troubling the leaders? SBinSuroor said RM would race in a hood next time (he'd worn one pre-race for the Craven) which is not encouraging imo. Royal Marine had previously disappointed in the UAE Guineas trial.

In the French Guineas, Godolphin also has Munitions (also Fabre-trained) who won the Prix Djebel two weeks back.

I find it astonishing Royal Marine (RM) is shorter in the betting than Skardu (S) the comfortable winner of the Craven RM also ran in. Admittedly, RM could have had a clearer passage in the race, but at no time did RM showed he'd win; RM beat Broome (Derby fancy) over 8f a distance too short for Broome in the Lagardere.

On the other hand, Skardu is an improving sort, and won comfortably ie just having to be pushed out to win. Also, Skardu is more opened to further improvement than RM, I firmly believe.

skardu post makes sense 123 , calyx is a runt like that french horse last year

"naive/non-savvy punters"

You should know Bungle.

Charlie Appleby is considering bypassing the 2000 Guineas with Line Of Duty in favour of an outing in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes at York. [Sporting Life]

what was the name of that little french runt from last year ? i thought it was sacred path , but , its not coming up , am i confused ? ....