MAKE sure Muqbil (3.35) is on your short-list for this afternoon's first Classic race of the year, the Sagitta 2,000 Guineas.

The entire complexion of the £320,000 Group 1 contest has changed because, following an unusually dry spell during April, heavy rain has dramatically changed the going at Newmarket from firm to good to soft.

Further intrigue comes by way of an incident at Newcastle nearly two weeks ago, which has robbed Muqbil of his regular jockey, Richard Hills.

Hills was found guilty of not pushing his mount Buthaina out to the winning line, costing the colt outright victory since the combination only managed to dead-heat with the fast-finishing Swift Alchemist at the Tyneside track.

Richard has paid a heavy penalty for the error of judgement, a 12-day ban costing him all of his rides at the star-studded meeting.

There's no problem to my way of thinking with his more-than-able deputy, Willie Supple, who now gets the leg up on Muqbil. So impressive when hacking up in Newbury's Greenham Stakes, a recognised 2,000 Guineas trial, Muqbil has yet to prove he can handle a softish surface. But for the record, his trainer John Dunlop reports: "He's by Swain and is entitled to improve once he goes beyond a mile."

Swain was a high-class horse who loved the mud and there's always been a sneaking suspicion that Muqbil might just be an even better individual with some juice in the turf.

Dunlop and Supple also team up in tomorrow's 1,000 Guineas with Khulood, who, like Muqbil, is owned by Sheik Hamdan Al Maktoum.

While the filly looks sure to give a good account, I much prefer the prospects of the likely favourite, French raider Six Perfections (3.55).

Trainer Pascal Bary is extremely upbeat about the chances of the daughter of Celtic Swing. "She had a canter on Wednesday and is very well," he said.

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