Future King, the top two-year-old of last year and the winter book favourite for the season’s first Classic race, the 2,000 Guineas, returns to the racetrack for his first run as a three-year-old tomorrow. •

   Future King is listed to run over a mile against some very seasoned and talented horses at the Overnight Allowance level with the likes of Southern Cruise, Red Flag, Shining Light and Taranis among others in the line-up, Future King, trained by champion Wayne DaCosta, will surely be engaged in his sternest test to date.

   At the conclusion of this one-miler, racing fans will be able to better judge the qualities of Future King and his chances in the upcoming Classic races.

   The Complete Racing Guide now assesses the chances of the 12 horses in this competitive event.

   1 – Western Rose – This six-year-old bay mare is not given any serious chance in this one, especially against the more talented colts and geldings.

   2 – Red Flag – Comes from a small stable which just celebrated a winner on Saturday last. Red Flag has been running some very good races of late, finishing on the board in his last six outings. The change from Ian Spence to Wesley Henry is significant. A true hard-knocking sort who always comes to run. Maybe this race is the one Red Flag will take his trainer Solomon Sharpe into the winner’s enclosure, again.

   3 – Shining Light – Has already put two of the better three-year-olds, Bubbling Kitten and Dreamliner, in their places. Ran really well against the imported Brawn on last, losing a close encounter over seven furlongs. The extra furlong of this race may prove to be his undoing. There is no doubt that Shining Light is seasoned and is a tough campaigner. Do not discount his chances.

   4 – Miracle Star – Won last time out in claiming after running without success against some real high rollers. Running at the Overnight Allowance level should not be a deterrent and with the patient rail-riding Aaron Chatrie in the saddle, Miracle Star is going to enjoy a mile.

   5 – Southern Cruise – Coming to hand nicely and definitely showing signs of progress. Was successful last time out in what many considered to be a weak set of opponents. Comes into this one well prepared and it will be interesting to see how Southern Cruise performs in this one. He meets his recent conqueror Taranis again, but this time on worse terms. Has a chance but cannot be given the edge.

   6 – Sparkling Michaela – Should be somewhere up front at the start of this race but will not impact the final result.

   7 – Black Thorn – Black Thorn at best is only given an outsider’s chance.

   8 – Lady Belridge – Against these is not likely to win.

   9 – Future King – Ran a good race under Robert Halledeen to beat Nuclear Affair and Bigdaddykool in the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes on Boxing Day 2015. Since then Nuclear Affair has returned to win convincingly to validate the form of the Boxing Day race, while Bigdaddykool failed to impress in his first three-year-old run. Future King is at home over a mile and for sure if he wins this one, he will be the prohibitive favourite for the 2,000 Guineas. It is a hard task for Future King to defeat these but at this stage, three-year-olds are known to develop rather rapidly, so don’t be surprised. The smooth, silky Omar Walker replaces the tougher Halledeen who is on suspension.

   10 – Bigbrowngreyhope – Should benefit from his first run of the season.

   11 – Rum Punch – Has been doing all he can of late without actually winning. Maybe tomorrow is the day. A proven performer at this level who should not be overlooked.

   12 – Taranis – A winner last time out when defeating Southern Cruise over six and a half furlongs. Now on better terms facing Southern Cruise including an apprentice claim, Taranis should be in front of Southern Cruise again. Taranis is racing in Overnight for the first time and may need a chance to acclimatise, but he is in really good nick and is sure to be present when the final roll is called.