None of these was shorter than 20-1 for the 2,000 Guineas before the race, so it was going to take something pretty impressive to shake up the ante-post market.

While KILLYBEGS was impressive, there has to be a suspicion that he was flattered by the way the race was run, and while he was subsequently cut to as low as 12-1 by Ladbrokes, there appeared no great rush to take the more generous 20-1 offered by totesport.

Killybegs hardly looked an obvious Classic candidate when beaten in Group 2 and Group 3 company at two, but he was clearly fit enough for his reappearance and he was well ridden in a steadily run race that favoured those who were ridden handily and stayed close to the rail. Up there throughout, he was sent on 2f out and he was clear throughout the final furlong, but with the relatively lowly rated Metropolitan Man second and Areyoutalkingtome, recently beaten in an AW maiden, fourth one should not get carried away with the form. One could not say dogmatically that he won't win the Guineas - the stable's 2004 Guineas winner Haafhd, who was also beaten on his last two juvenile starts, won this in similarly impressive style - but it will be surprising if there aren't one or two better than him on the day.

They finished in something of a heap behind Killybegs, with the next seven covered by little more than two lengths.

Metropolitan Man, three places behind Killybegs when a close fifth in the Somerville Tattersall Stakes, ran well, even though he edged right under pressure and was beaten further this time. Connections are under no illusions, however, and they are not aiming too high for the time being. His target is the Heron Stakes at Goodwood.

Gin Jockey, unbeaten in two races that worked out particularly well at two, was the most imposing member of the field, but after making the running against the stands' rail he was already unbalanced and wandering about when he caught quite a bump from Areyoutalkingtome. Again, connections are not aiming high, and they have identified a Group 3 at Frankfurt as a suitable target for him. He probably wants a bit further.

Cousteau, beaten on both starts at two, showed much-improved form in fifth, and he deserves extra credit as he fought for his head in the early stages and needed a stronger pace. He is reportedly not straightforward at home, but he has a lot of ability and is going to be suited by another furlong or two.

Mulaqat, a stablemate of Sir Percy, was taking a marked step up in class after ending last season with three straight wins in Class 4 races. He never got competitive, but the way the race was run it was not to his advantage being restrained in rear, racing towards the outside.

There was a stamina worry over Sir Xaar, and while he didn't race like an obvious non-stayer, he was well below his best.

City Of Troy had the excuse of a pulled muscle when suffering his only juvenile defeat in the Royal Lodge, and he was a warm order in a race in which his trainer has a fine record. However, he did not look as if he had made much physical improvement through the winter and he ran disappointingly, even allowing for the way the race was run. He was being ridden two out, but the turn of foot that distinguished his two wins last year was completely lacking.

It's A Dream went into the race with the most to prove, having won just an AW maiden at Lingfield on his only public appearance. He was disappointing, but an explanation may emerge in due course.(GD)

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