In one of the most open-looking Classic races in years, Compton Admiral can prove his worth by winning tomorrow's Sagitta 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Trained at Blewbury near Lambourn by Gerard Butler and the mount of Pat Eddery, who will be bidding for his fourth 2,000 victory, Compton Admiral makes plenty of appeal at around12-1.

A colt whose juvenile form included beating the much-heralded Killer Instinct at Ascot, Compton Admiral returned to glory over this course and distance earlier in the month when winning the Craven Stakes.

That success, at the prime expense of Brancaster was achieved in comfortable fashion. Compton Admiral showed himself to be a horse with a turn of foot and professional style.

The enigma of the Guineas is Mujahid, last year's top two-year-old, who flopped unaccountably in the Craven. He had been working well beforehand and has reportedly worked just as well since. His trainer John Dunlop remains mystified by his comeback performance.

Forgive him that one bad run and Mujahid has to come firmly into the reckoning, but there is an obvious flaw there.

Aidan O'Brien, successful last year with King Of Kings, relies on Orpen to do the double. This classy colt has good prospects, along with Kieren Fallon's mount Enrique, successful at Newbury on his reappearance.

Island Sands, unbeaten in two starts last term, is the prime candidate from the formidable Godolphin outfit and merits respect for that reason alone.

But Compton Admiral will do for me as a good-value bet, with Orpen and Enrique the biggest dangers.

At Thirsk, Tom Tun, an unlucky loser here a fortnight ago, can gain deserved compensation in the Baldersby Handicap.

Julie Craze's sprinter elected to race on the unfavoured stands side and was beaten a head and a neck into third by two rivals who raced on the opposite side of the track. He is certainly worth the Nap vote.

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