2000 Guineas: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Toronado is expected to win the 2000 Guineas.

Timeform examine each runner in the first Classic of the season: the 2000 Guineas...

Correspondent duly built on debut promise when landing a AW maiden at Lingfield. Followed up in minor event at Wolverhampton in November but outclassed in Greenham on return.

Cristoforo Colombo won on debut and improved when third in Coventry next time. Set to play a part in finish when slipping up in Phoenix before respectable fourth in Middle Park. Cheekpieces fitted and should stay.

Dawn Approach extended unbeaten run to 6 in Dewhurst Stakes final start at 2, responding well and firmly on top at the finish. Will be suited by step up to 1m and sets a solid standard.

Don't Bother Me is a useful performer who was a good second to Fort Knox in Leopardstown 2000 Guineas Trial last time. Plenty on his plate here, though.

Garswood was a useful juvenile who took form to another level when impressive winner of Free Handicap here on return. Big step up in class now but not to be underestimated if seeing out this extra 1f.

George Vancouver found only Reckless Abandon too good in Prix Morny, and enjoyed a nice trip when winning Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf on final start. Bit to find with Dawn Approach on Dewhurst running, though.

Glory Awaits was much improved when landing 7f Haydock maiden last June and went on to show pretty useful form in defeat since. Not up to this level, though.

Kyllachy Rise showed plenty of promise when making frame both starts in maidens but taking a massive hike in class now.

Leitir Mor established himself as a useful/consistent performer last year, landing a Group 3 at the Curragh and ending season with 2 Group 1 placings behind Dawn Approach. Trip too short on return.

Mars is a Galileo colt who came to the racecourse with a big reputation and duly landed the odds in a 7f maiden at Dundalk in July. Not seen since, though, and asking an awful lot here.

Moohaajim was highly progressive as a juvenile, impressive winner of Mill Reef before narrow defeat in Middle Park. Didn't find much as expected in Greenham on return, however, and this trip is a concern.

Toronado is an imposing sort who went unbeaten through a juvenile campaign culminating in a win over Dundonnell in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster. Impressive winner of Craven on return and big run expected.

Van Der Neer was unbeaten first 2 starts, and much improved when second in 1m Racing Post Trophy final start at 2. Got job done in listed race at Lingfield on return but minor role probably best he can hope for.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Toronado
2. Dawn Approach
3. Garswood

Timeform Verdict: Although not quite enough to win an average 2000 Guineas, the form Dawn Approach showed as a juvenile sets the bar pretty high and it will probably take a high-class effort to beat him. However, Toronado's electric win in the Craven was bordering on that level, and he rates as the most likely winner with a run under his belt and further improvement on the cards. 

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