A mouthwatering early-season clash could be on between G1 2000 Guineas hopefuls Chaldean (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Noble Style (GB) (Kingman {GB}) after Charlie Appleby confirmed the latter to be on course for the G3 Greenham S. at Newbury in April.
Andrew Balding had already told TDN Europe that Chaldean, the highest-rated juvenile in Britain last season, would run in next month's Greenham en route to Newmarket.
Noble Style, impressive in the G2 Gimcrack S. last year, will tackle seven furlongs for the first time at Newbury with Appleby keen to test the water over that trip before the Guineas.
Appleby said, “He has done well from two to three and the plan is to go for the Greenham, because I didn't want to step him up from six furlongs to a mile in the Craven.
“The seven and how he gets on will give me an indication of what we are going to be doing, whether that is dropping back to six for the Commonwealth Cup or going forward in distance to the Guineas.”
The trainer added, “He was very impressive in the Gimcrack when he gave the impression there's a lot of speed in that family. His maiden at Ascot is also very strong form, and he's delighted me through the winter.”
“I have a few to run in the trials, and while there is no standout individual they have all done well and will not look out of place physically. Others will run in maidens and let's see what transpires.”
Chaldean is a general 8-1 chance for Guineas glory while Noble Style can be backed at odds of 10-1.
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