Last Ran: 2nd May 2009

Aintree is done and dusted for another year and suddenly we find ourselves thinking about the flat season, which means of course the Stan James 2000 Guineas.

This year the market is dominated by three horses, Delegator 7/2, Rip Van Winkle 4/1 and Mastercraftsman 4/1 all with Paddy Power who are also offering a free £25 free bet on the 2000 Guineas.

Aiden O Brien, trainer of both Mastercraftsman and Rip Van Winkle has a terrific record at producing the winner here with four winners in the past seven years including last years winner Henrythenavigator.

Mastercraftsman had a great season last year scoring in the Railway Stakes, Phoenix Stakes and National Stakes, however his last run in October 2008 saw him disappoint somewhat, managing only fourth slot in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp. Connections felt that this was one race to many after his previous races, his connections will be hoping he will open his account with his usual winning ways.

Rip Van Winkle took seventh slot in the Dewhurst Stakes last time out, but his Guineas outing is now in doubt after news that he has a bruised foot, if this is the case then the odds on Mastercraftsman and Delegator look to shorten further so if either of these are your fancy we recommend you get on now.

Delegator, trained by Brian Meehan gave a terrific account of himself while working out and saw his price slashed into 12-1 from 25-1. He then went on to score in the Craven Stakes which has seen him shoot to the head of the betting market.

Others of interest include Evasive 8/1 who goes for Sir Michael Stoute and Arazan 10/1 who lost to Mastercraftsman in the National Stakes but the ground was against him on that occasion, should be get good ground on the day, he has got to be a worth while propositon.

All odds quoted are with Paddy Power and are subject to change, so check before you bet.