Teofilo Support Fades

US Ranger has been well supported for the Stan James 2000 Guineas following the news that favourite Teofilo has suffered a slight setback.

Teofilo has dominated the ante-post market for the first Classic of the season since winning each of his five starts as a juvenile, culminating in his Dewhurst Stakes success.

However, speculation was rife on Monday that all was not well with Jim Bolger's charge after his price drifted alarmingly on the exchanges and several major bookmakers also suspended betting on the May 5 event.

Although trainer Jim Bolger has issued a statement assuring punters his stable star remains on course for Newmarket, he has continued to drift in the betting and Stan James now make him their 2-1 favourite.

Bolger confirmed: 'Teofilo has had a training setback. When trotted on Monday afternoon, he showed slight discomfort.

'As a result, his training will be restricted to walking and swimming for one week.

'Otherwise, he is fit and well and on target for his 2000 Guineas tilt on May 5.'

However, confidence in the Galileo colt is waning and Neil Morrice, spokesman for Stan James, believes the drift is only to be expected.

'When a horse suffers a training reverse this close to his objective, his price can only go one way regardless of the optimistic noises from connections that he will make it to post at Newmarket,' he said.

'Any confidence behind him has completely dried up and the most likely scenario is that he will continue to slide over the period of his enforced holiday.'

Teofilo's setback has prompted strong support for French raider US Ranger and he is now as low as 11-2, despite the fact the Jean-Claude Rouget-trained colt will have to be supplemented for the race.

(C) PA Sport