IT’S classic day at Newmarket with the 2,000 Guineas at Headquarters and the king of this mile event, Aidan O’Brien, according to the betting, has the race wrapped around his little finger.

The favourite Ten Sovereigns was unbeaten in three starts last year showing great natural speed each time and along with his breeding it suggests that a mile is really going to test him to the core.

The key will obviously come through the first quarter mile as Ryan Moore tries to relax him and get him into an early rhythm.

Second favourite and stable-mate Magna Grecia comes out of the opposite breeding camp in that a 10 and even 12 furlongs should in time be his domain.

If any of the forecast showers hit the track it will be to his benefit and he looks a solid player as well for the Ballydoyle camp.

However, the very fact that they are priced up at 10/3 and 4/1 means that there is plenty of each-way value elsewhere and one of their rivals could come in the form of Godolphin’s ROYAL MARINE.

Winner of the Prix Jean-Luc Lagadare last season from Broome, subsequent winner of the Ballysax Stakes this year, the son of Raven’s Pass warmed up for this mile championship with a cracking fourth of eight behind Skardu in the Craven Stakes over the course and distance last month.

He compromised his chance that day by running very freely through the first quarter mile and then had to check out wide just as the race was hotting up. He finished nicely up the hill and looks sure to relish a quicker gallop in this bigger field.

The Group Three Palace House Stakes at 2.20 affords some smart handicappers a chance to make their mark in better company and MAJOR JUMBO looks just the type to take that jump in class in his stride.

He ran on really well when second in the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster when still looking in need of the run and he can take the scalps of the likes of Mabs Cross and Tarboosh.

Aquarium should ensure there is a good pace in the opening nine furlong handicap due off at 1.50 and that should play into the hands of the potentially smart and progressive POWER OF DARKNESS (nap).

The selection won off a mark of 84 last year and looked more than a shade unlucky off 89 on his seasonal debut over a mile here just not able to get to the eventual winner Beringer after running way too freely through the opening exchanges. This extra 220 yards should be right up his street and he looks a worthy favourite getting a bundle of weight from the classy Vintager.

The Thirsk Hunt Cup (4.15) looks as competitive as ever and the line-up suggests that they are really going to go hell for leather in the opening exchanges which could set this up for a hold-up horse.

So the one I like best is FENNAAN who is stepping up to a mile for the very first time in his career at the 12th time of asking.

He ran on very strongly when just behind the leaders at Musselburgh last time out and is well worth a shot at this trip and gets the vote over Borodin and Waarif.

Elsewhere, GIVE HIM TIME (nb) could be the each-way play at Goodwood (1.35), while I also fancy a huge run from outsider APEX KING in the feature seven furlong handicap at 2.40.

The Listed Doncaster Mile Stakes was a shade too tough for him last time out and this looks a far more realistic opening from the foot of the weights. 

BLUE DE VEGA should warm up nicely for the Epsom Dash by landing the 3.15, while LITTLE ROCK may defy top-weight in the 4.55 for Richard Hughes.