Flat out for success as Classic time approaches

With another vibrant Grand National still vivid in the memory, it's a sobering thought that the first two Classics of the Flat season take place at Newmarket in less than three weeks.

A revamped Newmarket will play host to to 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas on 30 April 30 and 1 May, and the Headquarters of British Flat racing also stages a series of Classic trials when the three-day Craven Meeting gets under way tomorrow.

The Barry Hills-trained Haafhd won Thursday's Craven Stakes on his way to Guineas glory last year, though connections are undecided as to whether to follow a similar path with the highly-regarded Etlaala.

Peter Chapple-Hyam has no such doubts about Montgomery's Arch, who has been the subject of very positive gallop reports this spring and will be ridden by the rejuvenated Jamie Spencer when he bids to enhance his Guineas claims in the Craven.

Newmarket regulars will notice that some fine tuning has taken place at the Headquarters of British racing over the winter.

The winners' enclosure has been moved to a more central position in the parade ring in order to enhance the atmosphere after big races, while the main drive into the racecourse has been revamped as an "Avenue of Champions" flanked by large flags depicting great Guineas winners of the past.