KINGSTON, Jamaica – The 1000 Guineas, the first Classic of the season brings together the 12 fiitest and most talented fillies currently in training in Jamaica.
The 1000 Guineas is run over one mile (1,600 metres) and takes place at Caymanas Park on Saturday next, April 13.
Quickgallop.com takes a look at the 12 runners, with the aim of finding the winner.
1 - CASUAL DRINK – Started her career on a high note but has since faded away rather dramatically. Extremely difficult for Casual Drink to turn the tables right now on her more accomplished rivals. Note the tongue tie is now on.
2 – I AM DI ONE – Made a dramatic entry into racing win an easy debut win over 6 furlongs just two weeks ago. I Am Di One is going to have no difficulties getting a mile and is going to be a factor in the outcome of this Classic.
3 – LADY BLUE – One of the leading lights among the fillies and the recent winner of the 7-furlong Thornbird Stakes, which is the major prep for the 1000 Guineas. More than likely Lady Blue is going to lead or be very close to the pace before making a bid with three furlongs to go.
4 – FORMAL FASHION – The only maiden in the 1000 and is completely out of place.
5 – PRINCESS LAUREN - has only raced three times and may not have shown the best she can offer as yet.
6 – ENVISAGED is going to be hard pressed to get the better of these.
7 – SOUL CURE is out of her comfort zone.
8 – PRINCESS ANNIE - prefers to go long but in recent times has been faltering over badly and no change is expected here.
9 – PRINCESS AVA - was closing well in the Thornbird (seven furlongs) and ended just two lengths behind the winner, Lady Blue. In that race, Princess Ava carried 110 lb and Lady Blue 119 lb, now they are at level weights with the handicap advantage going to Lady Blue. In a lot of these races handicap advantage can mean everything, but in the Classic races, handicaps can mean little or nothing, as three-year-olds are known to make improvements quite quickly. Princess Ava has a good chance as any of winning.
10 – SWEET LIKE SUGAR - has been performing well to hit the board in her three starts to date. Sweet Like Sugar is going to be hard pressed dealing with the distance of a mile.
11 – CORAZON - is talented and has the experience to deal with all and sundry here. Corazon comes in with the most wins, four from six starts but was beaten by a rejuvenated Lady Blue in the Thornbird Stakes on March 16. That run can easily be written off as Corazon was obviously not on her best on that particular day. Corazon has the ability to make amends here and is therefore given a glorious chance of winning.
12 – WINX CHOICE – chances of winning is non-existent.