Architect has four betting tips for Day 2 at Newmarket's Guineas Festival.
13:45 Saturday
ABERAMA GOLD (best price 25/1) might not be the force of old but he’s too well-handicapped to ignore in this race. He was sixth last year off a mark of 91 and is 8lb lower in the handicap with no weight on his back.
Warren Fentiman’s claim means he is competing in this carrying under 8st! His mount has continued to maintain his form despite being winless for a long time. His last two wins were off much higher marks, so at double-figure odds, I can see him going well. Four places widely on offer.
14:20 Saturday
SEAN (best price 18/1) has been deliberately saved for this race in the anticipation of the nice ground. He posted some very good efforts last season and placed twice off marks of 106 and 108.
He would have won the latter with a clear run at Windsor, so he’s definitely capable off today’s 103 if he can step forward from his reappearance in the Lincoln. He makes appealing each-way value.
15:35 Saturday
SCORTHY CHAMP (best price 8/1) has won two of his three starts and might have won the other without clambering out the stalls and being beaten under two lengths in a Group 2 event. He revered the form with winner Henri Matisse next time out in the Group 1 National Stakes and looked better the further he went.
The runner-up had no excuses in my option and boosted the form by winning the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf. He will be ready for this and I think Joseph O’Brien’s charge has an outstanding chance of landing the 2000 Guineas, as his best form reads well compared to a few others.
SHADOW OF LIGHT (best price 7/1) is a horse who seems overpriced. He won four of his five starts last season, including two Group 1s at this venue, which came in the Dewhurst and Middle Park.
Those wins came on soft ground but I feel as though he’s a better horse on better ground and connections have booked an excellent French rider, who knows this track well.
William Buick has opted for Ruling Court but I’m adamant he’s got it wrong, as this dual Group 1 winner looks a cracking price whatever the outcome.
