It is a big weekend for Epsom-based Jim Boyle who saddles his first 2000 Guineas runner with Into The Sky at Newmarket and the likeable handler has a bright chance of a winner on 1000 Guineas day with Many Men.
I am still undergoing counselling for the four-year-old's defeat in the Melrose Handicap at York last summer when he was beaten a nose on the line, having led a stride before the jam stick.
That reverse aside, Boyle's son of Study Of Man has proved an incredible purchase for connections given he only cost 3,500gns as a yearling and this race could set up nicely for him as his sole previous trip to the Rowley Mile saw him a 14/1 winner on easy ground as a juvenile back in October 2024.
His trainer has since guided him from a mark of 70 to one of 100 and this could well have been the target for some time following a recent spin at Musselburgh on comeback which wouldn't have been his ideal track.
With that run under his belt and Boyle's Epsom string finding some form, Many Men could again go close at HQ with the four places on offer well worth utilising.
I did consider also putting up Kihavah who was desperately unlucky in this race 12 months ago when suffering traffic problems and has the tongue tie and cheekpiece combination reinstalled.
He would definitely be worth a small saver on his UK comeback, even at the age of nine.
Back Many Men, E/W 4 Places, in 14:55 Newmarket
There is little doubt Precise boasts arguably the most potent force in this field as was evidenced by her blistering change of gear in the Group 1 Fillies Mile over course and distance last October.
At the time of writing ahead of the 2000 Guineas, there seems uncertainty surrounding the Ballydoyle Classic contenders and how they will fare straight off the shelf.
Victory for G'staad will understandably confidence increase in the chances of Precise and I have little doubt that if she is anywhere near fully tuned up for her comeback then she could make mincemeat of her rivals.
However, it has been touch and go whether she would even make the race with super-sub Diamond Necklace on standby so, at odds of around 2/1 or shorter, I'm happy to let her win.
With four places on offer with the Sportsbook and a run under belt courtesy of successful French excursion, Evolutionist makes some appeal at 16/117.00 or greater.
The Karl Burke-trained daughter of Night Of Thunder was four lengths in arrears of Precise in the Fillies' Mile and clearly has that ground to make up, but a lot can happen between October and May the following year and, unlike one or two of her rivals, she dosage index suggests she should come into her own over a mile plus this term.
The French Oaks looks a viable option for the selection further down the line, but she can put her race fitness to good advantage here and post a big showing at an enticing price especially as her sire's strike-rate on the Rowley Mile is an impressive 24%.
Back Evolutionist, E/W 4 Places, in 15:35 Newmarket