The Betting Week: Bolger Wrong to Keep Teofilo Punters in Dark

It has been a difficult week for ante-post backers of leading Classic contenders. At least there was visual evidence yesterday for Sander Camillo's slide in the 1,000 Guineas market, but anyone who has backed Teofilo for the 2,000 Guineas is pretty much in the dark.

After the rumours about Teofilo, which began on Monday and resulted in bookmakers suspending betting on the colts' Classic, it seems extraordinary that no statement was forthcoming from Jim Bolger's stable until the following day.

Given that Teofilo's training will be restricted to walking and swimming for a week, his supporters may not exactly have been comforted by the news.

Bolger, of course, is under no obligation to the betting public. He said as much when he made no apology for failing to announce in advance that his top filly Finsceal Beo would not be entered for the Epsom Oaks.

Some trainers, fortunately, have shown how it should be done. John Oxx was quick to inform the public that his filly Arch Swing was running a temperature and could be doubtful for the 1,000 Guineas and Sir Michael Stoute did the same with regard to potential Derby horse Spanish Moon when the colt met with a setback.

Stoute may yet have the last laugh in the 2,000 Guineas with Adagio (3.45), who goes on trial today at Newmarket. If Stoute sees fit to give his Guineas colt a prep, this is usually the race he likes to target.

Ron Cox's tip of the day


Colorado Rapid 4.30 Ripon

A high draw is favoured in big fields over a mile here, and when a runner is asked to make the most of the rails position, as is virtually certain with Colorado Rapid, so much the better. Mark Johnston's horses are generally up with the pace and Colorado Rapid, drawn favourably in stall 13 of 16, is said to have done well since last season when he was beaten a neck by Amazing Request at Chepstow.