2000 Guineas: Vandeek cut after Middle Park Stakes success

“This is a horse that has done it all on his own as we have not been keen to turn the screw on him. I think it is unlikely he will show up in the Dewhurst, but I’m really pleased with what he has done today. He has split two very good horses, so I’m delighted.

“He handled it very well today, better than I thought he would. He learnt again today. I’d say on the back of today I’d be keen to turn up here on the first weekend in May (2000 Guineas) and you might not see him again until then.”

Ghostwriter still unbeaten

Earlier in the afternoon, Ghostwriter kept up his 100 per cent record in the Royal Lodge Stakes and he is now fourth favourite at 12/1 (from 33/1) in the 2024 2000 Guineas betting odds.

The Invincible Spirit two-year-old was a wide-margin maiden winner at the July course on debut and then took an Ascot novice in convincing style in early September.

Stepped up to Group Two level on the Rowley Mile and ridden by Richard Kingscote, the Jeff Smith-owned bay was not hard pressed to ease ahead of eight rivals and prevail by a length at 100/30, in what looked a good renewal. Al Musmak and Capulet took second and third respectively.

Cox said: “That was very special and I’m so thrilled for Jeff. He has been improving with every run and that was a big step to take. I couldn’t be more pleased with the way he has carried it out and he looks full of promise going forward.

“The dam (Moorside) won over a mile and a half and I think he has a very good middle-distance plan to go forwards with.

“He was very much in his comfort zone and Richard was able to play him exactly as he felt and he quickened nicely when he met the rising ground there and I couldn’t be more pleased.

“He has always been a nice horse, but he has always been maturing and having a frame to fill while keeping his strength moving forwards. This cements what we thought so far and the dream is very much alive for next year.

“It is really exciting. We are normally known for our sprinting division but in the meantime it is such a joy to have a horse like this on our hands as it does set the pulse racing.”

Qipco 2000 Guineas betting odds

5/2 City Of Troy

4/1 Henry Longfellow

8/1 Vandeek

12/1 Ghostwriter, Rosallion

16/1 Diego Velazquez, River Tiber, Task Force

20/1 Army Ethos

25/1 Bar

2000 Guineas winners list

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All odds and market correct at date of publication