Massaat is massive each-way value in 2000 Guineas

David Metcalf | April 29, 2016

Massaat has a major shout in 2000 Guineas

Air Force Blue is a red-hot favourite for the 2000 Guineas, but Massaat doesn’t have much to find on him and looks real each-way value in the 208th running of the colts’ Classic at Newmarket on Saturday (15:45).

Massaat shaped with bags of promise when runner-up on debut for now retired trainer Barry Hills, and duly went one better next time up when easily landing a decent 14-runner maiden at Leicester by 3 3/4 lengths.

Connections then pitched Massaat into Group 1 company for his final start of the campaign, and the son of Teofilo ran a stormer to finish runner-up to Air Force Blue in the Dewhurst Stakes over 7f at this venue.

Type to come into his own as a three-year-old

After being held-up in fifth behind the leaders, Massaat made good headway down the centre two from home before keeping on nicely to be beaten 3 1/4 lengths without being unduly knocked about.

Although no match for the winner, it was a most taking performance full of promise, and Massaat remains a real sort full of scope who should come into his own as a three-year-old.

The step up to 1m will definitely be in his favour and, with Paul Hanagan in the saddle, Massaat looks capable of running a huge race for rookie handler Owen Burrows.