It's going to be a classic day in every sense of the word, as down at Newmarket this afternoon the first Classic of the season takes place with the 2000 Guineas.

It’s got a different feel compared to 12 months ago when Kingman and Australia were in the line-up behind the big priced winner Night Of Thunder.

So far, the trials have proved as clear as mud but hopefully something can come out of the pack and stand out as a star three-year-old colt.

Champion trainer Richard Hannon, who saddled the winner last year, holds the key to the race as he saddles four, all with strong chances.

His chief hope appears to be second favourite Estidhkaar, who finished second in the Greenham, just like Night Of Thunder last year. He is he mount of Paul Hanagan.

Stable jockey Richard Hughes rides Ivawood, a place further back in the Newbury trial but impressive as a juvenile.

Hannon also saddles Kool Kompany and Moheet, first and third in the Craven at Newmarket.

"Estidhkaar will improve for his Newbury run - like all of mine he needed his first run back - and I have been very happy with him since," said Hannon.

"He will also improve a lot for the step up to a mile as he was staying on nicely at the end in the Greenham which was pleasing.

"Ivawood will have come on massively for his Newbury outing, probably more than any of them as he's a big horse that carries a bit of weight.

"That trial came a bit soon for him.

"Kool Kompany was overlooked in the Craven Stakes and he continues to be overlooked. He is very dangerous and talented. He was a tough two-year-old and if there are any cracks in the armour of the big names, he will find them.

"He's now 3lb better off with the horses he beat in the Craven and he's improved an awful lot for that run. He doesn't have to lead. He slightly got away with it in the Craven, but he did it in different ways last year.

"The undulations at Newmarket caught Moheet out in the Craven but he has been working brilliantly and he'll go back there with a good chance."

Closer to home, Thirsk stage a seven-race card the highlight being the Thirsk Hunt Cup with a maximum field of 18 facing the starter.

In-form handler David O'Meara saddles three runners in this race including last year's winner Fort Bastion.

Slight preference is for Ingleby Angel, runner-up in last year he is now 4lb below that mark and has fitness on his side.

The six-year-old loves the track and is fancied to give another bold show under jockey David Nolan.