The British Flat Season Really Kicks Off at Newmarket This Weekend

Barely four weeks since the spectacle of the Grand National at Aintree on 6th April, which marks the culmination of the jumping season, the flat season takes off with undue haste this coming weekend with the blue-ribbon double bill at Newmarket; Guineas weekend.

This is when the first two classics of the season are run. The 2000 Guineas for three-year-old colts and any fillies brave enough to take the boys on. And, The 1000 Guineas for three-year-old fillies only. They are run on the 4th and 5th of May respectively. Despite the gender based differences between the races they are equal in terms of both being run over a the straight but undulating Rowley Mile and both offer £283,500 to first past the post.

This year’s prize money may look quite impressive but deserves to be given some historical perspective, which actually surprised me.

70 years ago in 1949 first place money for the 2000 Guineas was £13,606 and in the 1000 Guineas was £12,712. In 1949, the average annual wage for a working man was just £475. Putting those figures into an inflation calculator their value today would be £336,153 for winning the 2000 Guineas, £314,066 for winning the 1000 Guineas and £37,000 as an average salary (2009). The surprise is that despite sponsorship and entry fees for these two prestigious races the prize money has decreased over those 70 years.

In 1949 "Nimbus" won the 2000 Guineas at 10/1 and went on to win The Derby the following month. "Musidora" won the 1000 Guineas and went to win The Oaks. A remarkable year for doubles.

Will it happen 70 years later?

At the time of writing, 30th April 2019, there are still 24 entered for the 2000 Guineas and 16 for the 1000 Guineas. They will all be entering the starting stalls carrying the hopes and dreams of their owners and connections. Hopes and dreams to win and claim their rightful places in turf history. Or, to be also rans who developed their potential later in their careers to flourish as mature three year olds or even go on to glory as four year olds. Or, to just disappear into the anonymity of those who never made the grade for blue ribbon success or glory.

Even though most of us will never own a racehorse we can at least buy a share in one for time it takes to leave the starting stalls and cross the line by placing a bet. When punters place a bet they wave their betting slip and declare one way or another "I gotta horse" or "This is my horse in the Guineas." It is fun to select horses and so for this weekend is my bit of fun is:

Selections for the 2000 Guineas

For my win only bet, I am going to select "Advertise" currently quoted at 8/1, unraced this season but with a string of firsts and seconds last season comes into this race fresh and ridden by Frankie Dettori who just thrives on big race days.

My place selection is "Kick On" currently quoted at 25/1. Three runs last season making a 1st and 2nd with a 6th place hopefully being pure bad luck. He has already picked up a 1st in his only outing this season and is experienced on this course.

Selections for the 100 Guineas

My win selection is "Qabala" who is favourite at 11/4. With two wins over this course already the step up in trip from 7 furlongs to the mile should not be a problem.

My place selection is "Angels Hideaway" currently priced at 33/1. She has only had one win from five outings with a 9th and an 8th place but that was last season so I am prepared to ignore those results and let my heart rule my head with this one trained by John Gosden.