Wednesday 4th March 2009
Glittering array of stars in 2000 Guineas entry
Director of Racing Michael Prosser - 'thrilled' with entry
AN 88-strong entry for Saturday May 2’s Stan James 2000 Guineas at Newmarket was outlined today with a host of star names accepting the challenge.
Aidan O’Brien, who has won three of the last four Stan James 2000 Guineas, has 11 entries including the 6/1 favourite with the sponsors Rip Van Winkle.
Saeed bin Suroor, the Godolphin trainer, has 12 entries, while Irish handler Jim Bolger has five hopefuls.
Other leading lights whom connections are dreaming of Guineas glory about include Naaqoos (Freddie Head). Art Connoisseur (Michael Bell) and Evasive (Sir Michael Stoute).
Newmarket’s Director of Racing Michael Prosser said: “We are thrilled with both the quality and number of entries for this year’s Stan James 2000 Guineas.
“The race has attracted last year’s top two-year-old Mastercraftsman, our latest Darley Dewhurst Stakes winner Intense Focus and also the Shadwell Middle Park Stakes victor Bushranger.
“There is significant depth to the initial entry which includes any amount of horses with untapped potential - including Rip Van Winkle – and conjecture about them is always one of the most intriguing aspects of the 2000 Guineas build-up.”
Charlie McCann, Head of PR for Stan James, said: “Once again we are delighted with the quality of the entries for the Stan James 2000 Guineas at the Home of Horseracing.
“Last season we saw the best three-year-olds only race staged anywhere in the world in 2008 as multiple Group 1 winner Henrythenavigator edged out subsequent Derby winner New Approach with Breeders Cup Classic hero Raven's Pass back in fourth.
“And Aiden O'Brien once again looks to have a strong hand in the colts' race as he bids for a fourth Stan James 2000 Guineas success in the last five years."
By Tony Rushmer
