JOHN GOSDEN is standing on the brink of a famous Guineas double with Iceman and Karen's Caper, both well capable of Classic glory over the weekend.

Iceman is the first of the top-class duo to take the stage, trying to lower the colours of white-hot favourite Dubawi in today's 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

The pre-race hype has all been about the Godolphin horse but Gosden is confident conditions will suit his colt.

"He definitely prefers it quick - all the jockeys who ride him say Iceman gives them a different feel when the going is fast," said the master of Manton, who must be jumping for joy at the prospect of predicted firm ground for the inaugural Classic of 2005.

As far as Iceman's credentials go, he proved himself at the highest level as a juvenile in 2004, making the frame in all of the noteworthy backend two-year-old races. It was then a matter of finding out if he was as good this year, a point confirmed by an excellent fourth placing in the Craven Stakes, a contest in which Iceman was repeatedly denied a clear run.

Next up is Karen's Caper, who is disputing favouritism at odds of around 9-2 for tomorrow's 1000 Guineas.

Like Iceman, Karen's Caper is due to be partnered by Jimmy Fortune, the jockey aboard when the combination produced an electrifying burst to win their respective trial, the Group 3 Nell Gywn Stakes over seven furlongs.

Not only was the three-year-old filly mightily impressive on that occasion, she also shaped as if the extra furlong in the Guineas would bring about yet more improvement.

"Karen's Caper has come out of the Nell Gywn well and I'm happy she's in good form," said Gosden, poised to rocket clear at the head of the trainers' championship table should his two stars prevail.

* Brave Inca denied Harchibald in a thrilling finish to the Emo Oil Champion Hurdle at Punchestown yesterday.

The seven-year-old made most of the running in the hands of Tony McCoy and outbattled the 4-6 favourite on the run to the line.

Colm Murphy's charge, a 2-1 chance, was making amends for falling at Aintree on his latest start.

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