Despite suggestions of rerouting to the French Guineas, Coolmore have paid the £30,000 supplementary fee for Gstaad to re-enter the 2000 Guineas after being scratched in error. Albert Einstein, who was also removed in error, wasn’t given a supplementary entry, all but confirming a re-route to sprinting trips.
Gstaad hasn’t been seen since winning the Breeders’ Cup Turf, which came after three close defeats in Group 1 company. The son of Starspangledbanner holds a Derby entry, but is far from guaranteed to get the trip on breeding.
Criterium winner Puerto Rico has edged out in the betting after his stablemate’s entry, and he too holds an entry at Epsom. Flushing Meadows and Causeway were the others confirmed for Aidan O’Brien, the latter coming in off the back of his Madrid Handicap success.
The other supplementary entry was Charlie Pike’s Padraig Dawn. The Saxon Warrior colt was the 25-year old’s first win as a trainer, who took over at Danebury in December. Padraig Dawn was a winner at Southwell on debut, before going down a neck in Listed company at Newcastle. That was a smart performance second time up, beating the 102 rated Andab two lengths, who was only three behind Gstaad himself at Ascot. By a 2000 Guineas winner out of a Group 1 Moyglare winner, he is bred to be smart and it’ll be interesting to see how the £30,000 supplementary fee is justified.
Bow Echo continues to head the market
The rest of the main protagonists all stood their ground, as Bow Echo looks to extend his unbeaten run. The Night Of Thunder colt was three from three last season, culminating with a Royal Lodge success. He beat Publish prior to that, who was ruled out of the 2000 Guineas with a setback.
Distant Storm follows that one in the market, who was behind the ill-fated Gewan and Gstaad in the Dewhurst. Unbeaten Kempton winner King’s Trail also remained in contention for Godolphin, as did Craven eye-catcher Avicenna.
£2 million Triple Crown bonus on offer again
Betfred have also announced the return of the £2 million Triple Crown bonus if any horse can win the 2000 Guineas, the Derby and the St Leger.
Co-founder Fred Done told the Press Association, via the Racing Post: “It was an honour last year to be the first company in history to sponsor all five British Classics. I can’t wait to do it all again this year.
“That is why I am offering the £2 million Triple Crown bonus again. Nijinsky was undoubtedly one of the greats and it is about time we had another Triple Crown winner to celebrate. Can another horse rise to the occasion, make history, and do it again?”
It’s been 56 years since the Triple Crown was achieved, with Camelot coming the closest in 2012, beaten three-quarters-of-a-length in the St Leger.