To say that this year’s 2000 Guineas is wide open would be an understatement of major proportions.

A field of 15 runners face the starter on Sunday, April 15, in a race where the favourite might well end up at over 3-1.

Any number can play in this one, making the task of finding a winner very difficult.

Nonetheless, The Supreme Racing Guide tries its best in locating a winner for this year’s 2000 Guineas, doing so in post position order.

1 WITHOUT EXCEPTION — (3-b-c- Natural Selection – Ahwhofah) — Probably the hardest to assess in this race. Without Exception started with three consecutive wins before performing well below expectations in his next three outings. Then, just on Saturday last, trainer Wayne DaCosta decided to try Without Exception without the customary tongue tie and the figure 8. Without the equipment, Without Exception, travelling five furlongs round, stayed off the pace and then moved with purpose in the straight to beat A.P.I. and the imported My Sugarman. The major question facing Without Exception is whether he can effectively get eight furlongs? On Sunday everyone will know, although it must be said that Without Exception was only five lengths behind El Profesor in the Prince Consort while allowing the latter weight. A hard one to assess.

2 OUTRAGEOUS TAJ – (3-b-c- Adore The Gold – She’s Outrageous) — With only two starts on his racing record and with one victory, Outrageous Taj will have run out of his skin to win.

3 WESTERN LEGEND – (3-ch-c – Western Classic – It Must Be Fates) — A most interesting entry. Western Legend, who now races with Lasix for the first time, finished fourth in the Prince Consort just four lengths adrift of El Profesor. That run was a clear indication that Western Legend is of worth and may yet turn the tables on the likes of El Profesor. Watch him carefully.

4 GARRINCHA — (3-gr-g – Traditional – Outfither) – Lucky to find a place in this Guineas field and will need more than luck to win this Classic race.

5 REGGAE ROAD — (3-ch-c- Deputy Glitters — Spaced Out) — Has had three runs to date and even with the win on March 7 is going to be hard-pressed to deliver here.

6 EL PROFESOR – (3-b-g- Casual Trick – The Principal) — El Profesor took six starts to record his first win. Then just a month later, after being gelded, El Profesor gave a tough and fighting display to win the Prince Consort Stakes, defeating Another Vigorous and Drone Strike. El Profesor loves running from in front, but if not able to do so, packs enough strength and courage to battle with the best of his peers. Last galloped on the exercise track on Sunday morning moving 1:28.3 for seven furlongs beating Birdie My Love. El Profesor has a glorious chance of giving his trainer another Classic race winner. At the end, El Profesor will be there.

7 ADONIS (3-ch-g – Blue Pepsi Lodge – La Reina) — Surprising move by trainer Anthony Nunes to enter Adonis in the 2000 as Adonis gives the impression that he is a sprinter in the making. Might show a presence in the early part of the race.

8 MARQUESAS (3-b-c – Coded Warning – Islamorada) — The champion two-year-old of 2017, Marquesas has raced only once this season and that was in the seven-furlong Prince Consort Stakes. Then Marquesas, allowing weight to all rivals, was slowly out of the started gates, but still had enough to make headway in the straight finishing fifth, three and half lengths behind winner, El Profesor. Marquesas has been prepared to the minute by trainer Michael Marlowe who is seeking his first Classic victory. Marquesas concluded his preparation for the 2000 on Tuesday when he breezed three furlongs in 36.3 seconds. The handicaps are heavily in Marquesas’ favour, and with Shane Ellis in the saddle, victory in the 2000 is on the horizon. Marquesas is the choice.

9 DRUMMER BOY (3-b-c – Natural Selection – Preach Preacher) — It seems that trainer Wayne DaCosta is still tinkering to find the best from Drummer Boy as he has taken off the blinkers and replaced it with the visor for Sunday’s race. Drummer Boy did well when he last raced, finishing a close second behind Commander Two. But even with that run is not expected to challenge the big boys.

10 ROYAL AVIATOR (3-b-c Casual Trick – Royal Victress) — Gave an indication that he is just above average when he broke his maiden on January 31. Since then Royal Aviator has not lived up to expectations. Trainer Marvin Campbell has taken off the cheek pieces for the Guineas.

11 ANOTHER VIGOROUS (3-b-c – Legal Process – Miss Nickels) — Considered to be one of the top four, three-year-olds in training at the moment. Various health-related issues have slowed his progress but according to his trainer Rowan Mathie, Another Vigorous is now fit and ready for his run in the 2000 Guineas. Another Vigorous was particularly devastating when beating the Americans Super Sparkle and My Elle Belle over five and a half furlongs on February 10. Then in the Prince Consort Another Vigorous ran his heart out but was pinched on the line by El Profesor. The only worry associated with Another Vigorous is his ability to be effective going a mile. But, given normal three-year-old development, he should be alright in the 2000 Guineas. Another Vigorous is a live contender especially with Dane Neslon in the saddle.

12 DRONE STRIKE (3-b-c Sorrentino – Santa Baby) — Ran a blinder in the Prince Consort on March 17 when he finished a distinguished third, just three lengths behind El Profesor and Another Vigorous. On handicaps alone should not beat Marquesas, but was noticeably running on going seven furlongs, making the extra furlong of the 2000 much to the liking of Drone Strike’s. Trainer Patrick Lynch has put on the figure eight for the 2000. Watch him closely.

13 INNOVATOR (3-gr-c Casual Trick – Pretty Hilly) — Way behind in the Prince Consort and the same will be his fate in this one.

14 CONTRACTOR (3-ch-c – Blue Pepsi Lodge – Princess Terri) — Won his first two races at very long odds, but faltered badly in the Prince Consort, finishing in 12th position. Trainer Patrick Lynch has now put on the tongue tie and Contractor races in the 2000 with first-time Lasix.

15 COMMANDER TWO (3-b-g- Forest Danger – Hurricane Hattie) — One of the leaders among his age group, Commander Two has raced two times in 2018 with both his runs being victories. Known as one who prefers to run from in front, Commander Two demonstrated on March 31 over seven and a half furlongs that he can race behind the leader (s) and move when required in the straight. Commander Two is going to run well on Sunday as he has the class, with his only probable challenge being the one mile of the 2000 Guineas.