THE FIRST of the Guineas trials is the focus of the action this weekend with Kempton hosting the Masaka and Easter Stakes for the fillies and colts respectively.  Although these races are referred to as trials their relevance on the race is limited, with only Rebel Rebel and Vista Bella making any impact on the opening Classics when second and third in the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas in 2005.  This year’s editions don’t look like they will have much bearing when it comes to the first weekend in May, the Masaka only has one filly entered in the Guineas, but nevertheless some interesting sorts could appear.  Richard Hannon has made a typically lively start to the season and looks to be holding the aces in the Easter Stakes with the progressive Latin Lad.  Winner of a decent maiden at Glorious Goodwood he was then runner-up to Sharp Nephew (Listed winner since) in the Usk Valley Stud Stakes at Newbury, with subsequent Group One-winner Scintillo in third, before being caught close home in the Listed Silver Tankard at Pontefract.  Whereas many of his opponents are theoretically better than they have shown he’s already got the form in the book and should win Hannon’s second Easter Stakes in three years.  Elsewhere most people will have the eyes firmly focused on Peter Chapple-Hyam’s runaway Spring Mile winner Don’t Panic.  He should go very close and the Chapple-Hyam forecast wouldn’t be the worst move with the classy Medicine Path (third to Authorized in the Racing Post Trophy) also in the race.  However later on the card is an intriguing little conditions race over seven furlongs.  Having been an unlucky second on his seasonal reappearance in a Listed race at Lingfield (caught in the shadow of the post) I think Tasdeer can bounce back and record a second career win.  The softish ground could be a potential problem but staying the trip is guaranteed and he’s just better than the rest of them.

Selections – 3.20 Kempton, 7 Latin Lad

         4.45 Doncaster, 6 Tasdeer