Sunshine on the Rowley Mile – Frankel here soon!

Last year Frankel reigned supreme in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, but who will occupy the number one berth in the winner’s enclosure after this year’s big race, coming up at 3.10pm this afternoon? Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

The excitement is building on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile racecourse, arguably the most historic stretch of turf in the sporting world, as patches of blue sky and glimpses of sunshine herald a welcome dry day at the Home of Racing.

The ground is now just on the soft side of Good, so should not inconvenience the fast ground horses too much, the sense of anticipation is growing by the minute and one question is dominating – which of the 18 runners will emerge triumphant in the opening race of the QIPCO British Champions Series, the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, at 3.10pm?

Camelot, the Aidan O’Brien-trained favourite, had drifted out to 2-1 overnight, but the money has started to come again and 15-8 is now the best price available. There has also been some money for the O’Brien second string, Power, whom many believe could prove the better option over today’s mile trip, which could be too short for Camelot.

Confidence is high behind the French trio of Abtaal, French Fifteen and Hermival, while trainer Richard Hannon will be hoping that one of his four runners – headed by the easy Craven Stakes winner, Trumpet Major – will go close.

In an hour’s time, the hero of last year’s QIPCO 2000 Guineas will be the centre of attention.

Frankel has not been seen on a racecourse since his Queen Elizabeth II Stakes victory on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot last October and, having recovered from the superficial injury he suffered while training month, he is now building up to his return to action in the JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury two weeks today, race four in the QIPCO British Champions Series.

You can catch the gallop live on Racing UK at 12.55pm, which will be free-to-air at that time.

Whatever you do, don’t miss the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, live on Channel 4 and Racing UK at 3.10pm. It’s one of the season’s iconic races and this year’s renewal looks all set to be a cracker as the 2012 QIPCO British Champions Series enjoys lift-off!