Betfred 2000 Guineas Runners: A guide to the 15 Classic contenders

It's the Betfred 2000 Guineas - the opening Classic of the season and the first leg of our £2million Triple Crown bonus - at Newmarket on Saturday (15:35).

Fifteen colts line up on the Rowley Mile and I've produced a Betfred 2000 Guineas Runners guide including the odds at time of publication and a brief assessment of each runners' chances.

Gstaad (Aidan O'Brien/Ryan Moore) @ 10/3

Supplemented for £30k after being scratched in March due to a 'computer glitch'. A tip in itself for the son of Starspangledbanner, who was runner-up in the Dewhurst before landing the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar in November. Royal Ascot winner has a big chance if at his best.

Bow Echo (George Boughey/Billy Loughnane) @ 4/1

Undefeated son of Night Of Thunder beat a good field at Haydock in a Listed event back in September, before landing the G2 Royal Lodge over the Betfred 2000 Guineas course and distance in September. Reportedly bouncing at home ahead of this Classic bid. Every chance.

Distant Storm (Charlie Appleby/William Buick) @ 9/2

The leading light for connections who are responsible for three of the last four winners. Another Night Of Thunder colt who bolted up in a Group 3 on the Rowley Mile over seven furlongs before finishing third in the Dewhurst. Right in the mix.

King's Trail (Charlie Appleby/James Doyle) @ 8/1

Appleby and Godolphin's number two. Sea The Stars colt was impressive in two ordinary races at Kempton in December and March, but this demands more. Full of potential and warrants respect, especially for these connections.

Oxagon (John & Thady Gosden/Oisin Murphy) @ 12/1

One of the most-exposed runners in the field. On his juvenile form, he'd be hard to advise, but he was very good from the front in the Craven Stakes over C&D a few weeks ago and that gives him a chance. Not guaranteed to get things his own way, though. Others appeal more.

Avicenna (Roger Varian/Ray Dawson) @ 14/1

Runner-up to the aforementioned Oxagon in the Craven, but he caught the eye on what was only his third-ever start. First of the season, too. The son of Starspangledbanner could easily improve past him and make a splash. Chance.

Alparslan (Karl Burke/Clifford Lee) @ 16/1

Won a €135k sales race at the Curragh last September, over six-and-a-half furlongs, but his limitations were exposed in the Dewhurst a month later. Returned at three with an all-the-way success in the Greenham at Newbury in mid-April, which is a strong piece of form, but is he another who needs to dictate?

Needle Match (William Haggas/Tom Marquand) @ 16/1

Night Of Thunder colt - yes, another one - was fourth in the Greenham on just the second start of his career. Open to a significant amount of improvement, especially up in trip. Certainly not dismissed.

Thesecretadversary (Fozzy Stack/Seamie Heffernan) @ 22/1

Solid CV, but until his Group 3 triumph at Leopardstown last month, there was nothing suggest the St Mark's Basilica colt could win a Betfred 2000 Guineas. Has a squeak on his exploits in Dublin, but a squeak is all it is.

Into The Sky (Jim Boyle/Kieran Shoemark) @ 28/1

Fascinating runner for a trainer we're not used to seeing at this level. The son of Starman bolted up on debut over 6f at Newbury last summer at an SP of 80/1, and was all the rage for the G2 Mill Reef over C&D a month later. Runner-up to a good one for Appleby and Godolphin there, and now steps up to a mile. Odds are stacked against him, but he's an unknown entity - and that adds intrigue.

Padraig Dawn (Charlie Pike/Edward Greatrex) @ 33/1

Strong start to his career on the all-weather for new trainer Charlie Pike, but this is a steep rise in class for his turf debut. Another step forward - a big one at that - is needed.

Power Blue (Robson De Aguiar/David Egan) @ 50/1

Son of star sprinter Space Blues has the rating (113) to be competitive, but he's very exposed in this company and has to reverse form with Thesecretadversary, let alone put it up to some of the market leaders. Each-way claims.

Venetian Prince (Andrew Balding/P J McDonald) @ 125/1

The only runner for Andrew Balding, who's won two of the last six renewals of the Betfred 2000 Guineas. That aside, he's hard to advise, with plenty to find on this field.

Billecart (Karl Burke/Rowan Scott) @ 150/1

Fifth of seven, as many lengths off the pace, in a Listed event on the all-weather at Newcastle last time out. It would be a big shock if this son of - you guessed it - Night Of Thunder were to make his presence felt at HQ.

Lord Britain (Ismail Mohammed/Benoit De La Sayette) @ 200/1

Has just one novice win to his name, was dead last in the Royal Lodge and five lengths behind the reopposing King's Trail on his first run of the season. Look elsewhere.

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