Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes: Chaldean cut after Dewhurst win
Coral has cut Chaldean to 8/1 (from 10/1) for next year’s Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes following his victory in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at the weekend.
The Juddmonte-owned colt followed in the footsteps of his sire, Frankel, when cruising up the inside rail at Newmarket as the 5/2 joint-favourite.
He was pursued all the way by the runner up, Jim Crowley’s mount Royal Scotsman, but it was Andrew Balding’s youngster – ridden by Frankie Dettori – who prevailed at the line by a head to take the Group One with Nostrum back in third.
Whether Chaldean will run before the 2000 Guineas Stakes remains to be seen, with Balding saying: “We’ll see how we go in the spring, but I think anything is possible.
“I think I’d be comfortable going straight to the Guineas, but we can make that decision nearer the time.
“He’s all speed on his dam’s side, so I’d be surprised if he got further than a mile.”
The can't get by him! 🚀
Chaldean wins the Darley Dewhurst Stakes 🥇
He goes from strength to strength! 💪#ITVRacing | @NewmarketRace | @FrankieDettori | @AndrewBalding2 pic.twitter.com/DMXQWQqupi
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) October 8, 2022
Balding was emulating his father, Ian, who won the race on multiple occasions but most famously with the brilliant Mill Reef in 1970.
Balding said: “Frankie has given him a fantastic ride and all credit to him. Frankie is the reason we came here because after Doncaster he was adamant this was the race for him. He’s played his part massively.
“The horse has won a nice collection of races and the nice thing is he’s so relaxed, he should go on next year and certainly stay a mile, so we have a lot to look forward to.
“This is our first season training for Juddmonte and I think this horse was the first one in. It’s a huge privilege when you get sent horses like him by the stallions they have access to – it’s a dream.
“This horse has been very smart from early on. We thought he was really good in the spring and early summer. He got beaten first time out, but since then he’s gone on and on and actually he’s got less smart at home as he’s got smarter on the racecourse, which is just how you want it really.
“He keeps finding and he’s an absolute star. I’m thrilled.”
Chaldean wins the Dewhurst for @AndrewBalding2 and @FrankieDettori pic.twitter.com/BiDvNh4L8K
— Ashley Iveson (@AshIveson) October 8, 2022
Dettori told ITV Racing: “He fluffed the start, but luckily I was able to get him up there, and then I shot clear and I thought ‘I’ve got it in the bag’.
“I think he lost his concentration a bit – he was all on his own – and Jim (Crowley, on Royal Scotsman) came late and fast and caught him (Chaldean) by surprise, but luckily the line was there.
“I was nothing but impressed when I rode him at Doncaster. The first thing I said to Andrew was ‘Dewhurst’, and he obliged.
“He’s a proper Guineas horse – we can dream now for next year.”
Royal Scotsman’s impressive performance has seen his 2000 Guineas odds cut to 16/1 from 33/1 for the colts’ Classic while Silver Knott is 20/1 after victory in the Emirates Autumn Stakes.
A thrilling renewal of the @emirates Autumn Stakes goes the way of Silver Knott, with the Lope De Vega colt staying on best of all to hand a quickfire Group 3 double to the William Buick, Charlie Appleby and @godolphin team 🥇 pic.twitter.com/0kvYa8Tm1v
— Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) October 8, 2022
Trainer Charlie Appleby was winning the race for the fourth time since 2017, with his fellow Godolphin handler Saeed bin Suroor successful in 2019 with Military March as well as in 2016 with Best Solution.
Given Appleby has won the race with Ghaiyyath, One Ruler and this year’s 2000 Guineas Stakes winner Coroebus, he will be hoping Silver Knott goes on to be as good as any of that trio.
Appleby said: “I haven’t had chance to speak to William (Buick) yet, but I think in the middle of next season you’ll be seeing him at 10 furlongs for sure.
“We’ll potentially put him in one of the (Guineas) trials in the spring.”
2023 Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes odds
5/1 Little Big Bear
8/1 Chaldean, Naval Power, Nostrum, Sakheer
10/1 Auguste Rodin, Noble Style
12/1 Al Riffa
14/1 Blackbeard
16/1 Royal Scotsman
20/1 Isaac Shelby, Streets Of Gold
25/1 Silver Knott
View the latest horse racing odds
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
