The 2000 Guineas on the nine-race card is shaping up as a referendum on the Gary Subratie barn. The trainer sends out the two most fancied colts — Stardom and Salute The Don — in the $3.75-million Classic this afternoon.

The bad blood between them started last month in The Kingston. On May 17, Salute The Don looked home free. Ian Spence had him rolling on the lead, just as set out in the pre-race plan.

Salute The Don, who many called a sprinter, was about to prove them wrong over seven and a furlongs (1,500m). He was relaxed, in command, and still full of run turning for home.