Classic Horse Races 2019 Preview

The final domestic Group 1 of the campaign has taken place at Doncaster and the Vertem Futurity Trophy didn’t disappoint! Magna Grecia narrowly got the better of Phoenix Of Spain in a thrilling finish to announce himself as a genuine 2000 Guineas contender. Too Darn Hot looks a major player for both that race and the Derby next season, although there are a number of exciting colts for 2019. The fillies division perhaps hasn’t looked quite as strong but the markets look very open and competitive at this stage. We’re going to have a brief look at a number of contenders for the next years classics. If it’s today’s races you’re interested in, our horse racing tips are on site!

Colts

Too Darn Hot

Has looked every inch the real deal so far, winning all four of his starts to date and rated 125. Easily beat Phoenix Of Spain in the Champagne Stakes which reads well as that one went close in the Vertem Futurity Trophy. Too Darn Hot looked imperious winning the Dewhurst ahead of genuine Group 1 performers. Worthy favourite for the 2000 Guineas and is bred to get the Derby trip so is interesting for both those races.

Quorto

Another unbeaten colt, rated 121 and beat Anthony Van Dyck in the National Stakes on final start. Yet to meet Too Darn Hot and he looks that ones main danger. Will likely start off in the 2000 Guineas and his Dam was third in both British and Irish Oaks so Quorto should be suited by the Derby trip too.

Calyx

Son of Kingman who started really strongly with his two year olds this year. Impressive winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot where he beat subsequent Group 1 winner Advertise (second to Too Darn Hot in the Dewhurst). Clearly top class, has plenty of speed but his Dam did win a Group 3 over a mile. Worth a chance in the 2000 Guineas but will have stamina to prove.

Magna Grecia

Winner of the Vertem Futurity Trophy and looks to follow the path of stablemate Saxon Warrior last season in winning the 2000 Guineas. Looks a miler, pedigree suggests the same and is a genuine contender at Newmarket in early May, looks unlikely to get the Derby trip.

Madhmoon

Taking winner of both starts so far including a Group 2 (runner up has since gone close in French Group 1). Related to yards Irish 2000 Guineas winner Awtaad and looks a talented miler. Pedigree doesn’t scream mile and a half so the Derby may stretch his stamina but it’s not out of the question. Relatively under the raider for the 2000 Guineas and definitely in with a good chance.

Sangarius

A big, rangy two year old who should improve further when growing into his frame. Won a Listed race at Doncaster before finishing an excellent fourth in the Dewhurst. He travelled well into the race and shaped encouragingly for the future. From a superb family and should thrive over longer trips next season, could go for the 2000 Guineas but could definitely be a Derby type.

Fillies

Just Wonderful

Has been inconsistent but showed a smart turn of foot to win the Rockfel. Has already won over a mile and has the breeding to get further. Perhaps has a little to prove on form but she’s clearly very talented, no surprise to see her in both the 1000 Guineas and the Oaks.

Fairyland

Winner of four of her five starts, all over six furlongs, culminating in winning the Group 1 Cheveley Park. Clearly has plenty of speed and stamina could be stretched by a mile, Aidan O’Brien is never afraid to try though and on form she deserves her chance in the 1000 Guineas.

Skitter Scatter

Steadily improved all season which culminated in winning the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes, staying on well. Shouldn’t have any problems staying a mile next season and is potentially a little overpriced for the 1000 Guineas given what she has shown.

Iridessa

Both wins have come over a mile including the Group 1 Fillies Mile at Newmarket. She already gets that trip very well and Joseph O’Brien’s comments after the race suggested he thinks she is more of an Oaks prospect. Her Sire, Ruler Of The World, was a Derby winner so she has a good chance of getting a mile and a half. Deservedly heads the market for the Oaks at present.

Fashion’s Star

Made an impressive winning debut at Newbury over seven furlongs against fillies with experience. Been put away since and she’s an exciting prospect for Roger Charlton. Related to the dual Group 1 winner Pakistan Star so is bred to be smart. Pedigree suggests both a mile as well as a mile and half will be fine for her next year.