A dozen to note from the Guineas meeting

Rhododendron should enjoy moving up in distance in the Investec Oaks. Picture: Racingfotos.com

The Guineas meeting at Newmarket over the weekend provided some fantastic racing and it seems certain that we will be seeing many of the equine stars who lit up the two-day meeting in future QIPCO British Champions Series. Here are a dozen to note going forwards and the races they might contest in the series over the months ahead.

AL WUKAIR
Trainer: Andre Fabre
Given he came back from further than ideal and challenged widest of all, French raider Al Wukair ran a blinder to be beaten about a length in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas on Saturday. His next race is likely to be the French Derby and, if he shines over ten furlongs, then the Coral-Eclipse and Juddmonte International Stakes could become targets.

BARNEY ROY
Trainer: Richard Hannon
Beaten a length by Churchill in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas when he did not enjoy the rub of the green. That was his first defeat and many will fancy him to resume winning ways in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot next month.

CHURCHILL
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
The champion two-year-old of last season picked up from where he left off with victory in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas. The question now is whether he will stick to a mile or move up in trip and contest then Investec Derby at Epsom next month. Top-notch performer.

EMINENT
Trainer: Martyn Meade
Did not have the pace to keep up with the principals when sixth in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas but look out for the Frankel colt when he moves up in distance – including in the Investec Derby at Epsom next month.

FRONTIERSMAN
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
The impeccably bred four-year-old – he is by Dubawi out of Ouija Board – romped home off a mark of 101 in the 1m4f Qatar Racing Handicap on Sunday. Charlie Appleby suggested afterwards he might stick to handicap company at Royal Ascot but do not be surprised if he features in the middle-distance category of the Champions Series in the second half of the summer.

HORSEPLAY
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Showed a nice attitude to land the Tweenhills Pretty Polly Stakes on Sunday. Connections are keen to run her in the Investec Oaks at Epsom next month and, while she will need more to follow up, she is clearly on the up.

MARSHA
Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott
Put up one of the best sprinting performances seen for some time when defying a 7lb penalty, on what was her seasonal reappearance, in the Palace House Stakes on Saturday. The opposition featured nine horses rated 110 or higher, so there was no shortage of depth to the race. Her appearance in the King’s Stand Stakes at Ascot is eagerly anticipated.

RHODODENDRON
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Was not ideally positioned and met trouble in running in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas on Sunday – in the circumstances running well to be beaten two lengths by stablemate Winter. The Investec Oaks is now at the top of her agenda and she looks the sort who will thrive up in distance.

SEVENTH HEAVEN
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Faced inferior rivals in the Jockey Club Stakes on Saturday but the manner in which she surged five lengths clear at at the end was impressive. Set to head next for the Investec Coronation Cup at Epsom and, being a filly, has a range of options from then on. Relishes quick ground.

SOMEHOW
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
The four-year-old filly looks an improved performer this term and made short work of her rivals in the Group 2 Dahlia Stakes on Sunday. It probably did not end up being the strongest renewal but O’Brien is keen to point her to the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday week and she should not be underestimated.

TALAAYEB
Trainer: Owen Burrows
Finished an excellent fourth in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas on what was only her second start. She looked a possible winner a furlong out but did not have the same speed as the three who finished in front of her. A tilt at the Investec Oaks has been ruled out but something like the Qatar Nassau Stakes may be ideal later in the year.

WINTER
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Well backed in the build-up to the QIPCO 1000 Guineas and the grey won in tremendous style by two lengths from stablemate Rhododendron. She is clearly well served by fast ground and a mile, so the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot looks an obvious target.