TO say that this year’s 48th running of the Jamaica 2000 Guineas, sponsored by BetMakers Technology Group, is wide open would be an understatement of major proportions.

A field of 12 capable runners faces the starter today in a race in which there might not be any standout favourite. The majority of the interest, however, surrounds Blue Vinyl, Emperorofthecats, Perfect Brew, and Power, along with first-timer to this grouping Morimoto, locking horns in this Classic showdown.

These mentioned runners quite rightly command all the attention, but racing is an uncertain endeavour and, come the day of reckoning, the race still has to be run. Any number can play in this one, making the task of finding a winner very difficult.

Interestingly, current leading trainer Jason DaCosta has no entry in this race which he won last year with Miniature Man. Gary Subratie, third in the trainers’ championship, is also without an entry. Top Classic jockey Shane Ellis, also surprisingly, does not have a mount in the 2000 Guineas.

The Jamaica 2000 Guineas, a native-bred three-year-old Futurity race for colts and geldings over one mile (1,600m), is set as the ninth and final race on the card with a post time of 5:25 pm. First race is at 12:30 pm.

Blue Vinyl won the major prep trail for the 2000 Guineas, The Kingston (7½ furlongs), by a convincing 3½ lengths in a new Stakes record time of 1:32.4, which speaks volumes of his talent.

The Patrick Lynch trainee has already defeated most of his rivals as the extra distance is much to his liking. He is, however, at a weight disadvantage in the handicaps against one of his main rivals Emperorofthecats but at the three-year-old level and with growth and progression coming in quick spurts, this is not always a major issue.

The only issue for Blue Vinyl is breaking from the number one draw, but his rider Raddesh Roman is known for getting his rides quickly on the front end.

Emperorofthecats was expected to be more competitive in The Kingston on May 8 in which he finished fourth. Back then Emperorofthecats allowed weight to all his rivals which is not the case here, as all runners start with the same impost at 57.0kgs (126lb).

The Carl Anderson-conditioned Emperorofthecats has trained on nicely since The Kingston, yet there are doubts about his ability to effectively get a mile. A fit and well-prepared Emperorofthecats will not fall short of the targeted distance.

Power, meantime, failed to fire in The Kingston, finishing in seventh place as the overwhelming 3-2 favourite. Before that, Power was a winner over this distance by 3¾ lengths in the Simply Magic Cup in a time of 1:40.3. If Power, trained by Philip Feanny, puts in an improved effort, there is a possibility he will play a significant role in the outcome.

Perfect Brew, from the stables of Hall of Fame trainer Richard Azan, came home 3½ lengths in second place behind Blue Vinyl in The Kingston. Perfect Brew should welcome this extension in journey and, given his running style, can turn the tables on Blue Vinyl and beat the rest of the field as well.

Morimoto romped home to his second-consecutive win over seven furlongs (1,400m) in the Monday Morning Trophy on May 22. Morimoto won convincingly by three lengths ahead of Nomoredeals in a time of 1:27.4. The bay colt trained by Anthony Nunes is improving at the right time, has a favourable draw, and with his fitness not in question, has a loud shout.

The rest of the 2000 Guineas field is made up of KP Choice, Rum Puncher, Brinks, Nomoredeals, The Citadel, Unruly Dude, and Yellowstone.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) Baltusrol/City Counsel/Lazer Light

Race 2) Special Counsel/Cartel/Fearless Champion

Race 3) Freedom for Eds/Timetosaygoodbye/Flying Bullet

Race 4) Fresh Cash/Chennai Express/Kholbear

Race 5) Super Duper/Ring Charmer/Artesia

Race 6) Bridal Blush/Heart Of A Lion/Zion

Race 7) Secret Identity/Laban/Capturemyship

Race 8) I realise/D Head Cornerstone/She’s My Friend

Race 9) Blue Vinyl/Morimoto/Perfect Brew