Angus McNae's horse racing tips for Sunday: Mother Earth can take control

The QIPCO 1000 Guineas takes centre stage on Sunday and is perhaps more competitive than the market suggests.

I think Aidan O’Brien will train the winner, but not being privy to just how good Santa Barbara may be, I will be with his other runner as she has plenty going for her at a fair price.

I have five selections - three at Newmarket and two at Hamilton. Enjoy them all on Racing TV.

In the past 14 days, trainer Mark Johnston has had 16 winners, striking at 20 per cent and his colt can give him another success.

This three year old has had only three starts, winning last time at Southwell over a mile in in taking fashion.

He stormed clear, having raced prominently throughout, hitting the line very strongly and the step up to a mile and a quarter is sure to suit.

The handicapper has taken a chance in giving him a mark of 79 given that the time he posted at Southwell was a good one and he is still completely unexposed. I fancy he will be positively ridden, which is always a good thing on the Rowley Mile and I like his chance here.

He is completely unexposed over this 12-furlong trip and appeals at about 5-1.

His latest run at Meydan was his first go at this distance and he shaped with a load of promise, even though he only finished seventh.

He was held up from a wide draw and didn’t get the best of runs, being shuffled back at a crucial point before finishing strongly. That was on decent ground, which brings the best out of him and he will get the surface he wants.

He has a stout pedigree on the distaff side, with his dam being effective at up to two miles. This trip looks to be what he wants and is one that could bring about plenty of improvement.

I am happy to take the 5-4 available about this horse backing up his recent Pontefract success.

He showed bright speed and a willing attitude to win off a mark of 69 and is only 2lb higher. This will surely be the last time he gets to run in a 0-70 class 5 and this looks to be a good bit of placing.

The speed figure he posted at Pontefract suggests he has plenty in hand. I believe the drop to 5f last time played to his strengths. I fancy him to make all and follow up that Pontefract success for David O Meara, whose horses are in good form.

I think this horse can be supported with confidence. He is unbeaten in three starts on the all-weather and his latest success at Kempton was a sensational effort on the clock.

He travelled powerfully, making all and storming five lengths clear. In the process he posted a Timeform speed figure of 112. That marks him out to be at least a Listed performer.

It follows that this Conditions stakes should be well within his reach. The issue is whether he can reproduce his form on turf.

Being by Cable Bay out of an Arcano mare, he has every chance of being equally as effective. If he replicates what he did at Kempton they will not see which way he goes.

Generally available at 8-1, Mother Earth rates as being the best value in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas.

She is tough, battle-hardened, handles the track, has Frankie Dettori on board and possesses some smart speed figures.

Her third in the Fillies’ Mile over course and distance last term, when beaten a length by Pretty Gorgeous, showed the Rowley Mile holds no fears for her and she was then an unlucky second in the Juvenile Fillies Turf at the Breeders’ Cup, again over as mile.

She has had eight races, which will have given her plenty of seasoning and conditioning for this test.

Santa Barbara, her stablemate, cannot boast the same level of experience but has a tall reputation. On this occasion, I prefer Mother Earth, who has the credentials to go well plus the physical scope to build on her two-year-old season.