THE ABSENCE of Teofilo and Holy Roman Emeperor should not detract from what looks a fantastic 2,000 Guineas at Newsmarket.
They finished 1-2 in last year's Dewhurst race - a key indicator for the classic - and behind them were Strategic Prince, Haatef and Adagio.
Adagio has since won the Craven Stakes this season, a great boost for the form and he arguably has the best credentials of the trio.
However, Kevin Pendergast's HAATEF is bred on speedy lines (and might need holding up to get this trip), but he is suited by the ground and was only having his second outing when fourth in the mud behind Teofilo.
Here at the Flared Nostril, we'll be savouring a real occasion, but not one to get heavily in from a betting point of view.
FULLANBY ticks all the boxes for a calvalry charge for the Heritage Handicap at 4.00 and is napped as an each-way bet at over 16s at present.
Mark Tomkins FARLEIGH HOUSE gets lumps of lead from some good types and is better than his low mark suggest in the 2.10..
Over at Thirsk, Brian Smart is never far away with his newcomers and CHOISETTE in the 1.55 is another strong son of Aussie sprinter Choisir, who is proving a top two-year-old sire so far.
MONSOON WEDDING looks a banker in the 2.35 and PRINCE SAMOS is off the same mark as he was when fourth in the Lioncoln for the Thirsk Hunt Cup and can go close from a favourable high draw.
On Sunday, the 1,000 Guineas can give Jim Bolger compensation for Teofilo's absence today when he saddles FINSCEAL BEO.