Qipco Guineas weekend a feast of racing

Europe's first Classic races of the year take place in Newmarket this weekend, once more under the sponsorship of QIPCO (Qatar Investment and Projects Development Holding Company).

Some superb colts are set to contest today's £500,000 QIPCO 2000 Guineas (15.45), which is part of the British Champions Series, and which has attracted a field of 13. The runners are headed by the Aidan O'Brien-trained Air Force Blue, who won four of five races as a juvenile, including three Group One events - Ryan Moore takes the ride.

His only defeat came in Royal Ascot's Gr.2 Coventry Stakes, when second to Buratino, who reopposes him again today. Stormy Antarctic, who won the Gr.3 Craven Stakes, has the best recent form in a race that looks very open despite the favourite's strong credentials.

Tomorrow's £500,000 QIPCO 1000 Guineas (15.40) is also run over Newmarket's Rowley Mile, and O'Brien and Moore have another serious candidate in Minding, a dual Group One winner as a two-year-old. Nathra won nicely at Newmarket recently and gives Frankie Dettori a winning chance, while Illuminate was a smart juvenile and another to consider.

Every race on Newmarket's two-day card is sponsored by the Al Thani family, and while neither Qatar Racing or Pearl Bloodstock has a runner in the two Classic races, the reappearance of Simple Verse is one to savour.

Winner of last season's Gr.1 Ladbrokes St Leger and Gr.1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies' and Mares' Stakes, Qatar Racing's Simple Verse starts off in the Gr.2 Dunaden at Overbury Jockey Club Stakes (15.05) over 12 furlongs. Oisin Murphy will ride the filly for trainer Ralph Beckett, but having to concede weight all round means she faces a tough task on her season's debut.