10-time winner Aidan O’Brien was responsible for the clear favourite in 2023, with his Deep Impact colt, Auguste Rodin surging to the head of the market following his win in the Vertem Futurity Stakes. Little Big Bear provided a strong second string to the O’Brien bow, having dominated the juvenile sprinting division, and hinted that he may well see out this trip.
Heading up the home challenge was Andrew Balding’s Chaldean, who was set to provide Frankie Dettori with his final ride in the race. A Group 1 winner at the track as a two-year-old, he looked to boast strong claims, if on his best behaviour – the Frankel colt having deposited Dettori into the turf on his previous outing. Charlie Appleby sent a two-pronged attack in the shape of Gimcrack winner Noble Style, and Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf runner-up Silver Knott.
Result
- 1st – Chaldean 7/2, Jockey: Frankie Dettori, Trainer: Andrew Balding
- 2nd – Hi Royal 125/1, Jockey: Oisin Murphy, Trainer: Kevin Ryan
- 3rd – Royal Scotsman 11/1, Jockey: Jim Crowley, Trainer: Paul & Oliver Cole
Prize Money Breakdown
- 1st – £283,550
- 2nd – £107,500
- 3rd – £53,800
- 4th – £26,800
- 5th – £13,450
- 6th – £6,750
Tote and Forecast Payouts
- Tote Win – £5.95
- Tote Places – 1st – £2.10, 2nd – £17.30, 3rd – £3.85
- Exacta – £442.10
- Computer Straight Forecast (CSF) – £440.08
- Trifecta – £5947.70
- Tricast – £4549.76
Recap
Big outsider Hi Royal and Charlie Johnston’s Dubai Mile were the quickest out of the stalls. Chaldean also broke well under Frankie Dettori to sit just off the pace. Roger Varian’s Sakheer was the slowest away, whilst favourite Auguste Rodin was also a little tapped for toe in the opening stages.
Heading to halfway, the speedy Little Big Bear tanked up into contention but seemed to interfere slightly with stablemate Auguste Rodin in doing so. Hi Royal may have been a big price, but was travelling very well in the lead, and was more than willing when Oisin Murphy kicked early for home – opening up a two-length lead over the field despite wandering around. It was clear at this stage that neither Little Big Bear nor Auguste Rodin would be winning, with the former going backwards, and the latter seemingly struggling to go forwards.
Chaldean was, however, a different proposition. Murphy may have stolen a march on Dettori, but once the evergreen Italian asked his mount for everything. Chaldean slowly but surely began to erase the deficit – Hi Royal’s inexperience beginning to tell as he veered markedly to the left. Royal Scotsman finished well up the near side, but Chaldean was away and gone to score by 1¾l.
This was a fourth 2000 Guineas for Dettori in his final season in the saddle, and a second for trainer Andrew Balding following the 2020 success of Kameko.
Runners
- 1. Auguste Rodin – SP: 13/8F, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Jockey: Ryan Moore
- 2. Chaldean – SP: 7/2, Trainer: Andrew Balding, Jockey: Frankie Dettori
- 3. Charyn – SP: 66/1, Trainer: Roger Varian, Jockey: David Egan
- 4. Dubai Mile – SP: 33/1, Trainer: Charlie Johnston, Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
- 5. Flight Plan – SP: 40/1, Trainer: Karl Burke, Jockey: Daniel Tudhope
- 6. Galeron – SP: 150/1, Trainer: Charles Hills, Jockey: Kieran Shoemark
- 7. Hi Royal – SP: 125/1, Trainer: Kevin Ryan, Jockey: Oisin Murphy
- 8. Holloway Boy – SP: 18/1, Trainer: Karl Burke, Jockey: Christophe Soumillon
- 9. Indestructible – SP: 25/1, Trainer: Karl Burke, Jockey: Kevin Stott
- 10. Little Big Bear – SP: 5/1, Trainer: Aidan O’Brien, Jockey: Adam Kirby
- 11. Noble Style – SP: 10/1, Trainer: Charlie Appleby, Jockey: James Doyle
- 12. Royal Scotsman – SP: 11/1, Trainer: Paul & Oliver Cole, Jockey: Jim Crowley
- 13. Sakheer – SP: 16/1, Trainer: Roger Varian, Jockey: David Egan
- 14. Silver Knott – SP: 14/1, Trainer: Charlie Appleby, Jockey: William Buick
Non-Runners
All Ran