Godolphin's Ruling Court Reigns in Two Thousand Guineas

Kentucky-bred Ruling Court, a son of Justify, continued Godolphin's brilliant recent record in the Two Thousand Guineas (G1) May 3 with victory for Charlie Appleby and William Buick. He was positioned in midfield and began his charge widest on the stands' side, enduring a battle with stablemate Shadow of Light (GB) heading into the final furlong and keeping on to win by half a length as favorite Field of Gold (IRE) finished fast to take second. It is a third win in four years for Godolphin after victories for Coroebus (2022) and Notable Speech (GB) (2024). Shadow of Light finished third and the Saeed bin Suroor-trained 50-1 Tornado Alert (IRE) was in fourth. "I feel amazing, this is very special," said Buick after his sixth domestic classic. "These races are what it's all about, and the horses are amazing to deal with. I love my job, and results like these are very special. "He put up a great performance in Dubai and gave me something to think about for the Guineas when we had a Dewhurst winner in the stable as well. I've been thinking a lot in the last few months. They're two exceptional horses. "I love how Ruling Court did it, he's such an uncomplicated horse. We treated him like it, not looking for cover and letting him do his thing. It didn't feel like a quick gallop and he lengthened right to the line. He'll get further and he's got a huge engine." Betfred cut Ruling Court to 7-2 joint-favorite with The Lion In Winter (IRE) for the Derby (G1) at Epsom, for which the Justify colt holds an entry. Appleby, when asked about future targets, said: "We'll let the dust settle and enjoy the moment. Then we can map out the rest of the season. It's special to win this, you enjoy these days." Ruling Court was exiting two back-to-back wins in Dubai this winter, including a six-length score in the Jumeirah Two Thousand Guineas March 1. The colt originally sold for $150,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale from the consignment of Nursery Place, who co-bred him with Manfuso and Wilhite. Ruling Court was then the €2.4 million sale topper at last year's Arqana May Breeze Up Sale from the Oak Tree Farm consignment. How the race played out Godolphin's apparent third-string Tornado Alert had been keen on his debut last year and showed plenty of zest again on his reappearance, setting the pace under Silvestre de Sousa, flanked on the far side by Scorthy Champ (IRE) and the near by Seagulls Eleven (IRE). The eventual first three were sitting comfortably on the heels of the first six, with Ruling Court on the near side. Buick closed on the leaders from three furlongs out on Ruling Court just as Barzalona conjured a fine burst of speed from Shadow of Light that took him to the front on the far side of the pack. Field of Gold appeared to travel smoothly for a long way but when he was asked for his effort he took a little while to hit top gear. Ruling Court continued to make relentless progress and reeled Shadow of Light in well inside the final furlong. Field of Gold kept on strongly but could not get to the winner. The first and second both shaped as though they would be suited by farther—they certainly appear to be stronger stayers than Shadow of Light.