Saturday, April 30: Key insight on the 2,000 Guineas, the magnificent Honeysuckle extends her unbeaten run plus our exclusive daily tip. All this and more in today’s newsletter . . .

The big story

Here. We. Go.

The moment Flat fans have been waiting for since October last year has arrived as Newmarket prepares to host the first Classic of the season, the 2,000 Guineas, this afternoon.

Can Native Trail back up his superstar reputation? Could Coroebus spoil his stablemate’s party? Or will Aidan O’Brien land a record-extending 11th Guineas with either Luxembourg or Point Lonsdale?

Here are what the two top trainers make of their contenders . . .

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Native Trail and Coroebus: “They are two very exciting colts. William [Buick] and James [Doyle] rode them in a breeze on Wednesday, and both horses looked great. Native Trail’s preparation has been faultless and he’s definitely come forward since the Craven.

“Coroebus’s preparation has also been perfect and we got exactly what we wanted out of his racecourse gallop at Newmarket. He has certainly come on for that.”

Aidan O’Brien, trainer of Luxembourg and Point Lonsdale: “Everything has gone well with both horses, it’s been smooth for them all the way along so far. They’re two lovely colts. Luxembourg has always had a nice cruising speed. He was very good in the Beresford and the Futurity last season.

“This will be Point Lonsdale’s first start over further than seven furlongs. We always thought he’d be able to stay further so we’re looking forward to seeing how they both get on.”

All you need to know:

• Qipco 2,000 Guineas: ‘They are two very exciting colts’ – top Classic insight
• 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket: the runners, the odds, the verdict
• Who will win the 2022 Qipco 2,000 Guineas based on previous trends?
• In The Know: 2,000 Guineas preview show with top tipsters Tom Segal and Graeme Rodway

Chart of the day

The above graphic highlights the ever-shortening gap between Flat racing’s two training titans Charlie Appleby and Aidan O’Brien, who look set to dominate the 2022 Flat season with a host of top stars.

However, it may not all be about the big two and our betting editor Keith Melrose believes this 20-1 shot could give the favourites something to think about. . .

He writes: ”In Checkandchallenge, there is a rival at massive odds whose ability to change pace is demonstrable. It is one thing to look as impressive as he did, but it is all the more pleasing when the closing splits back it up. His striding data is handy, too, with a length in excess of 25ft and a stride frequency that shot up by about ten per cent after Danny Tudhope shook the reins. The latter is a strong and logical pointer towards a potent turn of foot.”

Continue reading or go straight to the racecard.

Punchestown day four: Sweet 16 for Honeysuckle

“I got a bit nervous turning in there and, as I was saying earlier on, when you see Paul [Townend] and Willie [Mullins] lurking away behind you there it’s always a worry. The fairytale continues – it’s ridiculous. I’m always so negative, I’m always waiting for something bad to happen but it’s amazing.”

Henry de Bromhead may have had a brief moment of panic, but in reality the result was never in doubt as Honeysuckle once again proved her class to extend her incredible unbeaten run to 16 in the Paddy Power Champion Hurdle under Rachael Blackmore.

Invincible: Sweet 16 for Ireland’s darlings Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore at Punchestown