Richard Pankhurst stamps his claims on 2000 Guineas market
Published:Ladbrokes have made Royal Ascot victor Richard Pankhurst a 20/1 shot for next year’s 2000 Guineas after a scintillating triumph in the Chesham Stakes.
The John Gosden-trained two-year-old bolted up to see off Toscanini and 15/8 favourite Dick Whittington on the final day of the meeting and in doing so announce his leading claims for the Newmarket Classic.
It was an impressive maiden victory following a debut defeat at HQ where the son of Raven’s Pass tailed off in fourth place having been sent off as the market leader.
But with that run under his belt and the step up in trip to 7f doing the trick, a potential assault on the Rowley Mile is in store for a horse bred and owned by Gosden’s wife, Rachel Hood.
And such was the turn of foot displayed by Richard Pankhurst there is genuine excitement about his 2000 Guineas chances after a comfortable success in the hands of William Buick.
However, with regards to his possible assignments for the remainder of the current campaign, Gosden has already outlined his plans.
The leading trainer has stated his charge is likely to miss Newmarket’s July meeting, opting for an autumn reappearance instead.
Gosden told the Racing Post: “I don’t want to race him through the summer and into the autumn, so we’ll work backwards from races like the Champagne Stakes and Dewhurst, which will be big aims.”
Meanwhile, one potential Guineas rival and fellow Royal Ascot winner who could be seen earlier is Coventry Stakes hero, The Wow Signal.
Having justified market favouritism to land the Group 2 race the Al Shaqab Racing-owned juvenile is a 25/1 shot to follow in the footsteps of former Coventry winners such as Dawn Approach and go on to win at Newmarket.
Deauville’s prestigious Prix Morny is a target if ground conditions suit and another impressive performance will only strengthen his position in the betting for the 2000 Guineas.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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