The 2000 Guineas on the nine-race card is shaping up as a referendum on the Gary Subratie barn. The trainer sends out the two most fancied colts — Stardom and Salute The Don — in the $3.75-million Classic this afternoon.

The bad blood between them started last month in The Kingston. On May 17, Salute The Don looked home free. Ian Spence had him rolling on the lead, just as set out in the pre-race plan.

Salute The Don, who many called a sprinter, was about to prove them wrong over seven and a furlongs (1,500m). He was relaxed, in command, and still full of run turning for home.

But behind him, Stardom was writing his own script. Subratie had made changes after a flat sixth in the Prince Consort on April 11. Off came the tongue tie and on came Dane Dawkins, who abandoned Salute The Don for the mount. For seven furlongs (1,400m), Dawkins waited, hugging the rail, saving ground, trusting the colt’s late kick.

The stablemates locked horns at the eighth pole. Salute The Don, game and resolute, refused to fold like a dead bird. Stardom, still green with only three runs to his name, found a gear no one knew he had. In the last jump, Stardom stuck his nose in front by half a length.

Dawkins had chosen right. Subratie had been vindicated. Salute The Don had been beaten by his own barn.

That was The Kingston. This is the 2000 Guineas, and one mile (1,600m) changes everything.

Salute The Don’s camp believes The Kingston proved he stays. Six starts, six times in the top three. He did all the donkey work last time and was only nailed late. With a mile to work with, and now champion and leading rider Raddesh Roman aboard, might get the easy lead he craves. If he does, the rest will have to come and get him.

Stardom’s camp believes The Kingston was just the start. Four runs total and he’s still learning what racing is. Subratie removed the tongue tie and saw a different horse. Dawkins rode him like a good thing and was rewarded. The pedigree says a mile will be even better. The rail run said his turn of foot is Classic class.

While the Subratie runners trade blows, others wait to pick up the pieces. God’s Plan, also from the Subratie barn, ran the race of his life for third in The Kingston to give the barn the top three places. If he repeats it, Subratie could sweep the trifecta again.

Richard Azan’s Senor Biscotti took a huge step forward last time, finishing fourth behind the Subratie’s trio. He brings nine runs of experience in this race. His stablemate Mohanlal won easy over the straight and will love the extra ground.

Jason DaCosta has an unknown runner in this field that could upset proceedings. Eye of the Tiger enters the 2000 Guineas contest following an impressive maiden win, winning by 7 ½ lengths in 59.4 for five furlongs (1,000m) round on May 23. He has worked seven furlongs in 1:26.3 on Sunday, May 31 and that gallop says a lot about his readiness.

But the story today is family versus family. Two colts from the same shed, two different running styles, one Classic crown.

Last month, Dawkins chose Stardom over Salute The Don. Today we find out if he chose the 2000 Guineas winner.

Ones to watch:

Race 1) Newland Links/Big Argument/El Afortunado

Race 2) Hazelnut/Cosalivin/Good Conscience

Race 3) Silent American/Linstead Market/Toronado Steel

Race 4) Delightful One/D’Storm/he’s Sensational

Race 5) Global Pursuit/Irish Wish/Dark Matter

Race 6) Never Despair/GreyLightning/Moonlight Song

Race 7) I Love Birdie/Hooray Henry/BarBQ

Race 8) Stardom/Salute The Don/Eye of the Tiger

Race 9) Lingusit/RicoRicoRico/I Dream Again