How To Bet £20 on Saturday: Bright looks right at 33-1

The biggest field for the QIPCO 2000 Guineas since 2010 means the unsatisfactory possibility of the runners dividing into two or more groups.

Potentially, the best horse among the 19 contenders might not win, such as in 2002 when Hawk Wing stormed home on the stands’ side by about eight lengths only for his stablemate, Rock Of Gibraltar, who stuck to the far side rail, to be a neck ahead of him at the line.

I already fear the worst for my two ante-post plays, Madhmoon and Skardu, because they are berthed in stalls one and three. Unless 50-1 chance Emaraaty Ana (drawn in 2) takes one for the team (he did lead in several of his races over six furlongs last term) I cannot see where the pace is going to develop for those among the low numbers.

It also rings alarm bells for Ten Sovereigns, the favourite, in stall 4, as he has a big stamina question to answer and will surely be ridden with restraint on his first start beyond six furlongs.

The obvious front-runners are Kick On, drawn in 9, and Shine So Bright, who will jump from 18. I cannot see the former, all out to land the Feilden Stakes last time, being quick enough back in distance but the latter is definitely not short of speed and, at a general 33-1, is a massive price to make all up the stands’ side under champion jockey Silvestre De Sousa.

Shine So Bright was purchased for big money by King Power Racing after a striking debut win and he ran some fine races afterwards without quite managing to win, including when fifth in the Coventry and when placed in three subsequent Group two contests.

The grey did not scream Classic winner on the back of those efforts but he looked much more the finished article on his return when not extended to make all in the European Free Handicap at last month’s Craven meeting. Despite taking a grip in the early stages, possibly through freshness, he seemed to relish racing over seven furlongs for the first time and won with great authority off a mark of 106.

The clock backed up the visual impression with Shine So Bright winning in a time about a second quicker than that achieved Qabala in the Nell Gwyn over the same course and distance later that afternoon. The third horse home, Asana, also gives the form some substance as he had signed off the previous season by bustling up Mohaather, the subsequent Greenham winner.

Connections of Shine So Bright have been among those to express doubts over whether he will be as effective over a mile but there is bags of stamina on the distaff side of his pedigree. His dam was a daughter of Sir Percy, the Derby winner, and was herself in her element over a mile and a quarter.

If De Sousa is afforded an easy time at the head of affairs and can get the fractions right, then the pair could take plenty of catching, especially as those behind may be left scrimmaging for space.

I’m also going to have a small bet on King Of Change, a whopping 80-1 with bet365, who is drawn in stall 19.

The Richard Hannon-trained colt takes a huge step up in class after winning a maiden at Nottingham in taking style, but he will not look out of place in the paddock and is bred to be well above average, being by Farhh and out of a dam who has already produced the classy First Century.

Hannon has won two Guineas in recent years with big outsiders – Night Of Thunder at 40-1 and Billesdon Brook at 66-1 – and it’s interesting that he has elected to run King Of Change, who promises to be well served by the straight mile, but scratched Walkinthesand, despite the latter boasting much stronger form after being touched off by Kick On in the Fielden Stakes. He instead runs in a Listed race later in the afternoon.

If you like Kick On at about 20-1 then you have to be a fan of King Of Change at four times the price.

Two other fancies on the card are Power Of Darkness, who runs in the opening Spring Lodge Stakes (Handicap) at 1.50, plus Mabs Cross, who can successfully defend her Zoustar Palace House Stakes (2.20) crown.

Power Of Darkness was an unlucky head loser in a competitive affair at the Craven meeting. After a sluggish start and racing keenly, he had to switch at a pivotal stage in the latter stages and the line came a stride or two too early for him.

He’s no fancy price to go one better off a 2lb higher ratting - Coral and Ladbrokes go 7-2 - but this does not look the strongest renewal and unless the unexposed Al Muffrih can bounce back with a bang after his 11-month absence it will be a surprise if he is beaten.

Mabs Cross had little to spare in the Palace House 12 months ago but she ended the season a much superior model – landing the Prix de l’Abbaye on her final start after being touched off in the Nunthorpe and placed in the King’s Stand.

There seems a general consensus that lack of a recent run – plus her 7lb Group One penalty – will leave her vulnerable but she is now firmly established as one of the top sprinters in training and, for all she has to concede weight, this represents an easier assignment. In any case, the doubts are offset by her price.

Another mare, Marsha, defied a penalty on her return a couple of years ago and the habitually held-up Mabs Cross can do likewise with a string of trail-blazers likely to tee the race up for her.

Away from Newmarket, Open Wide is worth an interest in the Farmer, Butcher, Chef Handicap at Goodwood (3.15).

The five-year-old retains a Timeform squiggle because he’s not one to roll up his sleeves but he could hardly have made a more eye-catching return when a close third at Newmarket a couple of weeks ago, when having his first start since a wind op.

Connections clearly mean business – they are equipping him with a hood and blinkers on this occasion – and the front-running Just Glamorous should give him an honest gallop to pounce off. A reproduction of his run at Headquarters may suffice.

Finally, make a note of Primo’s Comet in the Join Racing TV Now Handicap (5.25). Things did not pan out for him in the Scottish Sprint Cup at Musselburgh last time and, in the circumstances, he was not disgraced to finish sixth from 1lb out of the handicap.

Back off his correct mark in a much lesser race, he should take plenty of stopping.

How To Bet £20 on Saturday:

1.50 Newmarket: Power Of Darkness £3 win at a general 7-2

2.20 Newmarket: Mabs Cross £3 win at a general 6-1

3.35: Newmarket: Shine So Bright £3 win and £1 each-way at a general 33-1

3.35: Newmarket: King Of Change £1.50 each-way at a general 80-1 (four places)

3.15 Goodwood: Open Wide £3.50 win at 6-1 with William Hill

5.25 Thirsk: Primo’s Comet £2.50 win at 7-1 with bet365