TODAY’S 2000 Guineas at Caymanas Park is expected to produce fireworks, and while no standout from the 2022 crop has yet emerged, the absence of key rival Runaway Star has cleared the way for Sensational Soul to assume pole position in this first major test of stamina and class.
Trained by Gary Subratie and set to be piloted by former two-time champion jockey Shane Ellis, Sensational Soul comes into the race as the clear favourite.
The bay colt impressed in The Kingston, coming from behind with power and poise to reel in Runaway Star late and prove his staying ability. That performance over seven and a half furlongs hinted that the step up to the one-mile distance of the 2000 Guineas, and even further into the 10- and 12-furlong tests of the Derby and St Leger, could play right into his strengths.
With no official word on why Runaway Star is missing from the Guineas field the door is wide open for Sensational Soul to stamp his authority early in the Classics. His connections have reason to be optimistic. Owner Chevran Maharaj and trainer Subratie teamed up memorably to win the 2019 Triple Crown with Supreme Soul, and now they will be hoping lightning can strike twice.
Among the challengers, Strong Mind from the Patrick Lynch barn finished a respectable third behind Sensational Soul in The Kingston. With Phillip Parchment, a seasoned reinsman with multiple Classic wins, taking the mount he could make a bold bid. I Dream Again, trained by Jason DaCosta and ridden by Robert Halledeen, also has supporters, while Mark MyIdentity, Another One, and Prince Roy round out a field that lacks depth but not intrigue.
Still, with the way Sensational Soul finished last time out and the proven hands guiding him, today’s 2000 Guineas looks very much his race to lose.