Fallon has faith in Viscount Nelson

Kieren Fallon believes his mount Viscount Nelson has a "live chance" in the StanJames.com 2000 Guineas.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt is bred for the job as a son of multiple Group One winner Giant's Causeway out of Irish Guineas and Epsom Oaks winner Imagine, but he was well held in second in the Leopardstown 2000 Guineas Trial on his seasonal reappearance.

The former champion jockey, who has won the season's first Classic on four occasions, said: "With Aidan's what you can call second or third strings, he can produce with them as well, and this horse has got what it takes to win a Guineas."

He went on: "It's just about getting him there on the line as he's a horse that needs to be produced late. Aidan was telling me he has a lot of ability. I'm not going there with just a ride, I'm going there with a live chance."

While many believe O'Brien's St Nicholas Abbey simply has to turn up to win, Fallon is not of that opinion and feels the hot favourite has plenty of obstacles to overcome.

The jockey told At The Races: "I don't think any Guineas is really a cakewalk. Sea The Stars was highly impressive last year and before that you go back to Zafonic and I was on King's Best and George Washington, but this year I think it could be a bit different.

"I know St Nicholas Abbey is a real good horse and he made the field look very ordinary when he won the Racing Post Trophy in soft ground. But it's going to be a big field and there is a question about where the pace is going to come from, so there is a lot of weighing up to do."

O'Brien is confident his would-be superstar is fit enough to do himself justice and told his website: "St Nicholas Abbey seems to be in good form, his preparation has gone well and he has thrived through the winter.

"Obviously it is his first run of the season and like all of our horses he should improve from the run, but he is naturally a very fit, athletic horse and we are looking forward to seeing him run.

"Fencing Master seems to be well also, his preparation has also gone very well. Viscount Nelson has had a run already this year. We think he has come forward from his run, we are very happy with him and hope he runs a good race."