O'Brien Looking Forward To Newmarket

Aidan O'Brien insists he is happy with the form of his Classic big guns as the build-up continues to the Stan James Guineas Festival at the weekend.

The master of Ballydoyle has not been firing in the winners of late but will saddle a powerful team at Newmarket, led by George Washington on Saturday, long-time favourite for the 2000 Guineas.

Kieren Fallon's mount will be joined in the colts' showpiece by Horatio Nelson and Frost Giant ? with James Joyce another possibility.

'Kieren will ride George, Mick (Kinane) will be on Horatio Nelson and Johnny (Murtagh) will ride Frost Giant, while James Joyce is also a possible contender,' O'Brien said.

'The Guineas horses seem in good form and I am happy with them and hoping they will run well.

'We thought the colts were slow to come to hand compared to the fillies and that is the way it is working out.

'However, everything has been geared to the first weekend in May and that is when I want them to peak so I hope they run well.'

George Washington is the general 7-4 market leader after landing two Group One races as a juvenile, while Horatio Nelson is a 6-1 shot after just failing to peg back Sir Percy in the Dewhurst Stakes last October.

The latter was well-backed with Coral yesterday after pleasing Marcus Tregoning in a piece of work, the Barking-based firm handing the Mark Of Esteem colt a 14-1 quote to win both the Guineas and the Vodafone Derby.

'He worked this morning and went very well,' said Tregoning's assistant Pat MacEwan. 'He's in good shape and we're looking forward to the weekend.'

Sir Percy is 7-2 second-favourite for the Guineas and was cut to 9-1 from 12-1 for the Derby.

'Punters clearly believe this colt is a Classic winner in waiting and if Sir Percy does triumph at Newmarket on Saturday, comparisons with Nashwan will be inevitable should he attempt to complete the Guineas-Derby double,' said Coral's David Stevens.

Barry Hills moved to clarify the situation regarding running and riding arrangements for his three contenders.

The Lambourn trainer has confirmed his son Michael will ride either Killybegs or Red Clubs, with Michael's twin brother Richard on the other.

However, a decision is not likely until Thursday when the 48-hour final declarations are made.

Jamie Spencer has been booked for Hills' other runner, Olympian Odyssey.

In a statement to PA Sport, Hills senior said: 'Contrary to all the speculation and talk regarding the riding arrangements of our horses in the 2000 Guineas, it has now been decided that we will have three runners in the race.

'Olympian Odyssey will be ridden by JP Spencer, Killybegs by Michael Hills and Red Clubs by Michael Hills. Richard Hills will ride the horse that Michael doesn't choose and he will have until Thursday morning to make up his mind.'

(C) PA Sport