IT feels a bit odd that we have a very quiet build up to the first two classics of the season at Newmarket with the focus on Punchestown this week. Especially when both classics look very high-quality renewals.

Two unbeaten colts, each representing the two superpowers of flat racing, both Group 1 winners at two and Native Trail was the clear champion two-year-old.

Both camps have worthy second strings in Point Lonsdale and Coroebus. While Native Trail was the dominant two-year-old, rated 122 in the world rankings ahead of Coroebus’ 115, I can’t help thinking that the latter is a very exciting colt. One was too keen, one a bit slow to get into top gear last year. They are wide apart in the draw too.

Ballydoyle have clicked into good form in the last week but Luxembourg faces very different conditions than he did at two and I would not be surprised to see the tough Point Lonsdale finish ahead of him.

The 1000 Guineas also has one of the top fillies from last season. I’m surprised there was no call for an inquiry as to the state of the British fillies as none of the top six in the betting are trained in Britain!

Tenebrism sets the standard on her impressive Cheveley Park win, off a long lay-off. Will she stay? I think she has every chance but I liked how her stable companion Tuesday finished off her race at Naas and she is guaranteed to relish this distance, being a sister to two Guineas winners. Ballydoyle second strings have a good record too.

Of the British runners, Sandrine is over-priced at 20s on her two-year-old form and the each-way choice. But it’s honours even for me over the two days with the second strings – Coroebus and Tuesday.