Thousand Guineas: Pro punter preview

Thousand Guineas 2021: Pro punter preview

Pro punter Trevor Lawson gives us his thoughts on the 2021 Thousand Guineas.

This is usually a good race, and this year is no exception. A lot depends on the pattern of the day. I’ll be analysing that further throughout day and might issue some further penalties to some horses from there

Caulfield is usually up on the pace, if it rains it might chop out, so we’ll see how things are playing. I think you’ll need cover.

On the map, Queen Of Dubai will lead from Achira and Swift Witness. Barb Raider will be in behind the pace and should get a good run as will Hinged. Zouzarella will be midfield and trying to stay off the fence. Elusive Express probably goes back.

Let’s look at them…

SWIFT WITNESS is an on-pacer who went a bit quick in front last start. Gets a wide barrier here again. Might have to do a bit of work from there, has rough claims.

HINGED bounced back to form last start second-up at this trip. Drawn out, can go forward here. Has solid claims.

ELUSIVE EXPRESS is racing well. Produced a peak figure last start. Will get back and wide here so may the need the pattern to help.

BON’S A PEARLA was a surprise winner last start. Steps to 1600 here and is drawn wide. Happy to go around it.

LITERARY MAGNATE was okay first up, then crowded for room last start. Can improve off her past couple of runs, but others here have better ratings.

ZOUZARELLA ran well two starts ago and then got too far back last start. Can return to best rating here.

HERESY is an honest horse. Drawn barrier 1. Has claims but would need the inside to be okay.

QUEEN OF DUBAI led and held on last start in a fast-run race. Walked the last 200m. Happy to risk here at 1600m.

YEARNING is racing well but others have better ratings.

BARB RAIDER is a progressive filly who has improved her ratings each start. Stepped out over 1800m last start in a strongly-run race and powered to the line. Comes back in trip here, but that shouldn’t be an issue. Maps to settle handy and should be strong late.

CUBAN LINK Doesn’t have the ratings to compete here. ACHIRA and FORTUNATE KISS are not good enough

In terms of my market, I’ve got Hinged, Zouzarella and Barb Raider all equal favourites at around $5, and the rest of the market a fair way off them. I’ll be checking out the pattern throughout the day.