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Classic racing on the flat in the United Kingdom and Ireland gets underway this weekend, as the 2,000 Guineas is staged on the Coronation Day of King Charles. Horses aged three will be in action at Newmarket, with a mile covered. It is the opening of five Classic races in Britain, with subsequent legs The Derby and St Leger making up the Triple Crown.

Before Betting On 2000 Guineas 2023

The 2,000 Guineas has been dominated in recent memory by Aidan O’Brien, who has trained a staggering ten winners. His last success came back in 2019 with Magna Grecia, but he holds an incredibly strong hand to end that four-year winless run on Saturday. All the talk in the build-up has surrounded Auguste Rodin, who is being touted as a potential Triple Crown winner.

The three-year-old holds an official rating of 118, and was exceptional at the end of last season, winning the G1 Vertem Futurity over a mile at Doncaster. The contender will be the ride of Ryan Moore, and is clearly the one to beat. However, if the three-year-old is likely to come up short in any Classic, it could be over this sharp mile track at Newmarket.

If you’re looking for pace, then you would be hard-pressed to bet against Little Big Bear; also for O’Brien. The three-year-old was the star two-year-old performer last year, and is the top-rated contender in the field. He landed four straight successes after finishing second on debut, which included victories at Royal Ascot and the G1 Phoenix Stakes at Curragh. A mile could be his optimal trip, but if pace is required, it could be hard to sway against this contender.

Chaldean will be Frankie Dettori’s last ride in the 2,000 Guineas, and the jockey will come into the contest in good confidence after landing the Italian equivalent for the first time on Monday. The three-year-old is rated 119, but he will need to overcome disappointment from his return to the track a few weeks ago, as he unseated Dettori at the start of the G3 Greenham.

2000 Guineas 2023 Offshore Odds

HorseOdds
Auguste Rodin+162
Little Big Bear+450
Chaldean+500
Sakheer+700
Royal Scotsman+800
Silver Knott+1200
Noble Style+1600
Indestructible+1600
Holloway Boy+2500

Auguste Rodin could be exceptionally special, but this will be his biggest test of the three Triple Crown races this season. But, he showed his class over a mile last year, and could be very difficult to oppose on Saturday. Stablemate Little Big Bear is the big concern and would be the second choice. Meanwhile, at a price, Indestructible, could be a major player. The three-year-old landed the G3 Craven Stages over course and distance at the end of April, and may be overlooked at the prices. Furthermore, Silver Knott is also a big player for respected connections Charlie Appleby, William Buick, and Godolphin.