Abbey heads 19 in 2000 Guineas Aidan O'Brien's red-hot favourite St Nicholas Abbey heads a field of 19 runners declared for Saturday's StanJames.com 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. The Montjeu colt was unbeaten in three starts as a juvenile, culminating in a clear-cut success over Elusive Pimpernel in the Racing Post Trophy last autumn. He is one of three contenders from O'Brien's Ballydoyle base, with Fencing Master and Viscount Nelson also taking their chance. John Dunlop's Elusive Pimpernel reopposes following his Craven Stakes success, while Richard Hannon sends Canford Cliffs and Dick Turpin. Godolphin field two runners, with Al Zir hailing from Saeed bin Suroor's yard. Buzzword is a first Classic runner for second trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni. Mark Johnston is also double-handed as Middle Park Stakes winner Awzaan and multiple all-weather scorer Greyfriarschorista bid to supplement Mister Baileys' victory for the handler back in 1994. Xtension, third in the Dewhurst last year, represents Clive Cox, while Pat Eddery will be hoping Hearts Of Fire can bag him his first Classic as a trainer.
