Jamie Spencer gives his verdict on the Guineas and three decent rides

In the 2000 Guineas Gleneagles obviously has the strongest form and because he looks like the Ballydoyle number one he’s where he is in the market. But say he’d disappeared during the winter I could have seen his stable-mate Ol Man River being the favourite. He’s the one that’s under the radar a little bit. Ol Man River is also less exposed and nobody can really make an opinion on him. He’s the one with the big progression in him, and he’s a typical Ballydoyle horse as he’s using the Guineas as a Derby trial yet as you saw with Camelot that doesn’t mean he won’t win it. Australia almost did the same in a vintage Guineas last year. I think Ol Man River is the one. Joseph O’Brien has made the effort to get down to 9 stone which is a clue. The draw hasn’t been that kind to him, but then it could be tricky on the rail too with the stands on one side. If you can’t get a run you’re in trouble. There are a few pacey horses in his part of the draw so he should get something to run at.

(Gleneagles in full flight)

I don’t think the Guineas horses here have got the necessary strength and depth. The trials weren’t anything to get excited about. It all hinges on Ballydoyle and it will be interesting to see how their pair shape up.

I’m on board Online Alexander in the Palace House Stakes at 2.30pm. She’s a nice filly who likes fast ground. She’s probably up against it but it looks a sub-standard renewal of the race. I thought she’d have an each way chance without thinking she could win. Stepper Point will be hard to beat. He was only just beaten in this race last year. With a run behind him this year he should be ready.

Aloft doesn’t run in the Listed race at 4.55pm so that makes it a little easier. I ride Balios who has a bit to find on the ratings but David Simcock doesn’t tilt at windmills and he’s happy with the horse. While I’m not saying he’s going to win, David wouldn’t be running him if he didn’t think he was going to be very competitive. I thought Rocky Rider did well in the Sales race last time given how keen he was and will run well, but I am very hopeful of my own horse.

In the 5.30pm I’m on Flashy Memories for Richard Fahey. He’s out of Flashy Wings who won the Queen Mary and who I rode as a three year old including when second in the Coronation Stakes, so I know his dam well. He ran well on his only start this season when second in a handicap. He’s up three pounds so has to have a squeak. The Richard Hannon trained Muasayyid looks the main danger but on pedigree he might want easier ground being by Bahamian Bounty. He beat Akeed Champion, a horse Richard Fahey now trains so Richard will have a form line into him, and I know he likes Flashy Memories a lot.

Jamie