This weekend sees the first of this seasons classics, the 2000 guineas on Saturday and the 1000 guineas on Sunday at Newmarket.

The 2000 guineas sees the reappearance of likely favourite Hold That Tiger.
His form last year was very good including a group 1 success in France and a third place on the dirt in the Breeders Cup Juvenile in the USA. He has a very good burst of acceleration at the end of a race and Aiden O'Brien canprepare his charges for their seasonal bows as witnessed by last year's first and second in the same race.

However, my personal fancy for the race is the Godolphin trained Lateen Sails. He was trained by Henry Cecil last
year and won his only start before being bought by Godolphin. He has won his trial in Dubai and runners returning from Dubai appear to benefit from the climate there. I have already backed Lateen Sails antepost and will hope to see him prevail on Saturday. For those who want to back something each-way Monsiour Bond at 100/1 could give you a decent run for your money.He was not so far behind prospective placed horses last year and is way overpriced.

The 1,000 guineas seems to be at the mercy of the French. Both Six Perfections and Intercontinental boast form well up to winning the race. Intercontinental was third to Hold That Tiger in France last year and that represented excellent form as it is quite unusual for two year old fillies to race against the colts. I however prefer the overall record of Six Perfections and although hardly original I expect her to win.

Let's hope we are a goal or two up on Sunday whereupon I can listen to the race in comfort!!