Classic weekend: Duo’s derby tilt

DUBAI: The action really cranks up a gear this weekend with the Guineas meeting at Newmarket in the UK and the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, USA. Tomorrow is the Kentucky Oaks for which Rachel Alexandra is going to be a hot favourite to beat seven rivals after her scintillating victory in the Fantasy Stakes last year.

Trained by Hal Wiggins, she will be very hard to beat but the Oaks looks in danger of being overshadowed by the return to action of the wonder mare Zenyatta. She won all her starts last year, culminating at the Breeders' Cup and makes her seasonal return in the Louisville Distaff Stakes.

2,000 GUiNEAS

Attention then swings to Newmarket on Saturday for the 2,000 Guineas, the first European Classic of the season, with attention focused on the weather. With fast conditions, but heavy rain forecast, today's declaration stage is likely to see the big guns left in.

Favourite Delegator is just one who could miss the contest, however, if the promised rain fails to materialise with trainer Brian Meehan worried about the prospect of very fast ground for his Craven Stakes winner.

Aidan O'Brien duo Rip Van Winkle and Mastercraftsman are next in the market with Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, set to be doubly represented with Free Handicap winner Ouqba and Finjaan.

Godolphin could also have two, with Shaweel and Ashram, who will be having his first start in the famous blue.

KENTUCKY DERBY

Godolphin trainer Saeed Bin Surour is in America to supervise their Kentucky Derby duo – Regal Ransom and Desert Party – who were first and second in the UAE Derby when last seen.

The trainer sounds bullish regarding their chances in a race the Godolphin team have yet to win. “They are happy, in good form and have progressed since the UAE Derby.

I am looking forward to seeing both of them run in an open contest,'' he said.

“This is our best ever chance in the race; usually the journey from Dubai takes a lot out of the horses but both these two have arrived in great condition and have thrived since arriving.'' With Frankie Dettori on duty at Newmarket, Alan Garcia maintains his partnership with Regal Ransom, while Ramon Dominguez is on his stable companion.

1,000 GUINEAS

Sunday's 1,000 Guineas has revolved all winter around the John Gosden-trained Rainbow View who finished her juvenile campaign unbeaten and won the Group 1 Fillies' Mile.

Rae Guest's Serious Attitude is also unbeaten but with her regular partner Jimmy Fortune aboard Gosden's charge, she will have a new partner in the shape of Pat Smullen.

He said: “These are the spare rides you dream about; second favourite in a Classic on an unbeaten Group 1 winner. I rode her the other day and can honestly say she gave the impression she is the best filly I have ever sat on,'' he said. “That said, she will need to be because Rainbow View looks a serious filly.''