The French Guineas races look set to be run on very soft ground. The irony is that Andre Fabre allegedly kept Persian King in France rather than come to Newmarket because he thought he would get better ground at Longchamp but it turned out that Magna Grecia won on ground in our Guineas and Persian King will have to get his swimming trunks on over in Paris. The whole affair has seemed a balls-up to me and although I have backed Persian King for the French Derby at 10/1 and want him to win the French Guineas, I can't bet him at 8/11 when the trainer says the horse prefers a sound surface.
In the 1000 Guineas I have backed Suphala at 11/2 and she is slightly less popular than Watch Me, who beat her a short head last time in the trial race the Prix Imprudence. I am wary of the value of the favourite Castle Lady, who was supplemented but seems a but tight at 3/1. Fabre's filly was said to have still been in her winter coat for the trial race and should improve from that race, with connections stating that the extra furlong should be in her favour from the 7F trial. Her two wins last year were at a mile and the Frankel filly should be involved in an open looking race where Kevin Ryan's East is the UK interest.
Over in Ireland Broome lines up at 4/9 for the Derrinstown after romping away with the Ballysax last time out. He'll be looking to strengthen O'Brien's hand while the UK and other Irish trainers seem to be able to hold a candle to the Ballydoyle hordes. Not worth betting in this race unless you fancy Weld's Rakan as an alternative at 7/1. In the Fillies Guineas trial it looks a weak affair. Titanium Sky makes a quick reappearance after finishing 6th last week but even with that Group 3 run being a bit disappointing she was a 6/1 shot that day and still recorded a personal best. She is progressive and this looks a weaker race than last week's. As long as she is fine after the short break between races, I think she looks the one to beat at 3/1.
2.50 Leopardstown Titanium Sky 3/1
3.30 Longchamp Suphala 6/1
