Head Riding High Hopes Into Guineas

The Freddy Head-trained Ride Like The Wind (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) was one of 34 entries remaining in the G1 2000 Guineas at Wednesday’s declaration stage for the May 2 Classic, and the Olivier Thomas silkbearer has his conditioner comparing him to Charm Spirit (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), who was Head’s first Guineas entrant last year, finishing fifth in that vintage renewal before going on to win three Group 1s. 

“He is on the same sort of level as Charm Spirit was at this time last year,” Head said. “They are similar horses in that they tend to be a bit keen and if Ride Like The Wind settles better than Charm Spirit did last year, I think that he has a good chance.” 

Ride Like The Wind, a grandson of triple Grade I-winning mare Kostroma (Ire) (Caerleon) bred by S F Bloodstock, broke his maiden at first-asking last July but failed to shine at the pattern level, finishing fourth in the G3 Prix de Cabourg Jockey Club de Turquie and sixth in the G1 Prix Morny at Deauville before rounding out his season with a second in conditions company at Longchamp in September. He filled the same slot in a polytrack conditions race at Deauville on seasonal return Mar. 6 and won the G3 Prix Djebel Apr. 2. Head said he has given his charge two runs, “to get the freshness out of him before the Guineas.” 

“I was very happy with his Prix Djebel victory,” Head added. “He settled then quickened well and it was to his credit that he won despite being held up at the back of the field when the pace was slow. The undulations at Newmarket won’t be a problem for him and although seven furlongs is a good trip for him at the moment, I think that he will stay a mile as long as he relaxes and gets a good run. He needs ‘good’ or ‘good to firm’ ground.” 

Ride Like The Wind currently sits at 40-1 for the Guineas, and his 33 possible rivals include current market leaders Gleneagles (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) (9/4) and his Ballydoyle stable companion Highland Reel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) (8/1) as well as dual Group 2 winner and last week’s G3 Greenham S. second Estidhkaar (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}).