Estidhkaar needs to justify our time-handicap ratings in the 2000 Guineas over the Newmarket Rowley Mile today if Hamdan Al Maktoum has been influenced by his racing managers; we simply can't believe Muhaarah has been 'sacrificed!'
Muhaarah, running in the Hamdan's third colours, carried by Frankie Dettori, beat Estidhkaar a shade comfortably over seven furlongs at Newbury last month but doesn't appear among the eighteen declarations for the first classic of 2015; apparently the 'managers' (un-named!) were unanimous about Muhaarah contesting the French 2000 Guineas but I'll NEVER understand why.
Amazingly Hamdan has forked out the required sum to supplement recent Newbury maiden Intilaaq; he's at least 20lbs inferior to Estidhkaar.Charlie Hills, trainer of Muhaarah, runs Dutch Connection and is confident but the TH suggests he has a mountain to climb; indeed that's the case for them all because if Estidhkaar replicates that recent mark there can only be one winner.
The assembled 'managers' are 'on the line' because one simply refuses to believe they don't have influence and input for such important decisions; why would they be employed otherwise?Anyway it's no longer my concern, 'done and dusted', as they say but an hour or so earlier Watchable should prove just that in the group three Palace House Stakes over five furlongs; this David O'Meara-trained five-year-old is improving rapidly and could become a real champion.
On the TH Watchable is clear 'best-in' and justifies support; his good recent form is key, especially this year when so many are struggling to thrive due to cold weather.One of SEVEN meetings is Thirsk where Foreign Diplomat is strongly-fancied to land the Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs; his juvenile form bears close inspection and a lot is expected of William Haggas' charge.
SELECTIONS
2.30 Watchable
3.45 Estidhkaar (e.w)
3.20 Foreign Diplomat (nap).