Qipco 2000 Guineas – Barney Roy impresses for Richard Hannon in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury
Hannon's three-year-old stayed on well to pull clear of Dream Castle in one of the major Classic trials ahead of the Qipco 2000 Guineas
RICHARD HANNON looks to have a big Qipco 2000 Guineas contender in Barney Roy after his impressive Greenham Stakes win.
In recent years Hannon has enjoyed a successful association with Godolphin and the son of Excelebration looks set to provide them with more big-race glory after maintaining his unbeaten record with an impressive success in the Group 3 contest.
It looked as if Godolphin's other runner Dream Castle would take the race after the Frankel colt shooting into a clear lead entering the final quarter of a mile.
But closing with every stride for James Doyle, the 5-2 winner pulled clear to claim victory by two lengths, with Zainhom a way back in third.
Paddy Power and Ladbrokes slashed Barney Roy to 6-1 from 16-1 for the Qipco 2000 Guineas, while RaceBets and William Hill went 7-1.
Hannon, who won the Guineas in 2014 with Night Of Thunder in his first season with a licence after taking over from his father, Richard senior, said: "He has relaxed enormously, as he was a little bit keen, and in fairness that is more or less down to Sean Levey.
"I was a bit worried coming back from a mile to seven and you can see why, as he just took his time getting going.
"I thought he was in trouble four down then he went 'whoosh'. I've liked him for a long time, though.
"He has got a chance of going to the Guineas. He will get a trip as well now that he is more relaxed. I did say in the summer he might get a Derby trip, whether he gets that far I don't know.
"I definitely think he will stay further, but a strong-run mile will suit him well."
Bin Suroor said of Dream Castle: "I think he was too keen in the race. He is a horse that needs to settle. His options are open and we will talk to Sheikh Mohammed.
"There are options in the French and English Guineas, and even the Irish Guineas."
Claiming a clean sweep of the fillies' Classics on both sides of the English Channel could be on for John Gosden after Dabyah booked a potential return trip to France with victory in the Fred Darling.
Having seen Daban carry the same silks of owner Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah to glory in the Nell Gwyn at Newmarket on Wednesday, the former champion trainer saw the daughter of Sepoy strike at Group 3 level ahead of an imminent return to the top table.
Dabyah was introduced at 4-1 by Paddy Power for the French 1000 Guineas.
Gosden said: "The other filly is more laid-back and very relaxed and likes to come with a late run, whereas this one is out the gate racing.
"I thought she pricked her ears well, which is a good sign. We will look at either the French or English Guineas for sure and she will go for one of those two races.
"I am thrilled to win a Fred Darling and a Nell Gwyn for Mr Al Naboodah.
"Daban has come out of her race well and as long as this girl is OK in the morning we can make bold plans.
"She will come on for the race. She actually missed a couple of bits of work .
"We will see what the owner thinks, but the jockey would like to run Daban at Newmarket and Dabyah in France. If they are in good order that is the jockey's wish. She has run well in France and they get more rain there, so there is likely to be a bit more give."