Sensational Soul to revel in longer 2000 Guineas

SENSATIONAL SOUL, who won last month’s Kingston with a bold rail run, pulling away from RUNAWAY STAR and STRONG MIND, should land Sunday’s 2000 Guineas title, which had escaped his brother, Toona Ciliata, denied by Triple Crown winner Supreme Soul.

Ironically, Sensational Soul is owned by Trinidadian Chevan Maharaj, who enjoyed tremendous classic success in consecutive years, Supreme Soul, 2019 Triple Crown winner, and Calculus, 2020 St Leger and Jamaica Derby champion.

SENSATIONAL SOUL’s preference for a distance of ground became obvious when blinkers were removed for his maiden win at six and a half furlongs late January.

After dismissing PRINCE ROY with ease, SENSATIONAL SOUL was outsped at six furlongs in March’s Sir Howard, entangled in opening splits of 23.2, 34.4 and 46.4 set by ANOTHER ONE, before weakening out of contention, too early for his own good.

However, stretched out at seven and a half in last month’s Kingston, SENSATIONAL SOUL tracked the speed from third down the backstretch before pouncing on RUNAWAY STAR midway the last half-furlong.

Shane Ellis returns aboard SENSATIONAL SOUL with the field at his mercy, RUNAWAY STAR sidelined with issues. Jason DaCosta moved swiftly for RUNAWAY STAR’s replacement, owner Carlton Watson acquiring PRINCE ROY privately from Fitzroy Glispie to keep the champion trainer in touch of Anthony Nunes’ in the 2025 stakes battle.

After losing narrowly, outbattled by HONOUR PRINCE in the Sir Howard, PRINCE ROY ran a stinker in April’s Prince Consort Stakes at seven furlongs. Reporting with Lasix added and tongue tie on for DaCosta, PRINCE ROY appears sharp at exercise, galloping seven furlongs out the mile chute in 1:30.3 last Sunday morning.

Reyan Lewis has the leg up aboard PRINCE ROY whereas DaCosta’s other charge, I DREAM AGAIN, will have Robert Halledeen aboard for a fourth straight run after getting off the mark with a nine-length win on March 5.

Subratie need not worry about SENSATIONAL SOUL falling victim to a false pace. Anthony Nunes’ ANOTHER ONE will ensure a cracking one down the backstretch, much to the merriment of Shane Ellis astride SENSATIONAL SOUL.