Rookie trainer Owen Burrows finds himself in the enviable position of having a leading Classic contender in his first season with a training license. That contender Massaat (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) is reportedly pleasing the trainer and will most likely go straight to the G1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket without a prep run. “Touch wood Massaat is in good nick and I am very pleased with him,” said Burrows. “I did contemplate giving him a run beforehand, but timing-wise it didn't work out. The plan is to send him to the Rowley Mile for a racecourse gallop at the Craven meeting, then go straight for the 2000 Guineas,” added the trainer. Massaat created a good impression when winning his maiden at the second attempt at Leicester last September when under the care of the now retired Barry Hills. He was then pitched straight into Group 1 company in the Dubai Dewhurst S. and ran with great credit to chase home current Guineas favourite Air Force Blue (War Front).
Another Guineas contender likely to rely on a Newmarket racecourse gallop as a prep for the colt's Classic Apr. 30 is Marcel (Ire) (Lawman {Fr}). The G1 Racing Post Trophy winner is also set to have a new jockey on board for the race. “The new owner [Paul Makin] wanted a different jockey and we've booked Pat Smullen to ride in the 2000 Guineas,” said trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam. “He'll probably sit on him first at the Craven meeting where we intend to give him a racecourse gallop,” added the trainer.
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