Churchill ready for Guineas test Aidan O'Brien does not envisage the smaller-than-expected field at Newmarket on Saturday posing any problems for Qipco 2000 Guineas favourite Churchill. Last year's leading juvenile has been ante-post favourite all winter and despite not running since October, his position has hardened in recent days - despite some impressive performances from winners of the trial events. O'Brien ran some of his lesser lights in those trials to gauge the opposition and retains full faith in his number one hope. "So far so good. Everyone has been happy so far and everything has gone smoothly," said O'Brien. "There are only 10 in it but I think all the main ones are there, all the trial horses and the French horse (Al Wukair). "He's a straightforward horse, last year he just used to follow the leaders. "I don't see the small field as a problem - I suppose it would be better for the race if they came up in one group rather than split into two. "It's a high-quality race. All the horses you'd expect to be there are there, whereas in other years there might be some lesser horses. "We're very happy, he's done everything very well. Anything we've asked him to do, he's done and done very well - always. "Obviously we haven't given him a run, but he's been away. Donnacha (O'Brien) rides him every day and is very happy with him." O'Brien also runs Lancaster Bomber and Spirit Of Valor. Master French trainer Andre Fabre is always respected when he brings one over, having won the race twice in three years with Zafonic (1993) and Pennekamp (1995), and saddles the unbeaten Al Wukair. "The ground is not a worry for him as he has won on soft and it was on the fast side for the Prix Djebel," said Fabre. "He seems well balanced so the course is not a major concern." Al Wukair is owned by Al Shaqab Racing, who were successful 12 months ago with Galileo Gold. Al Shaqab racing manager Harry Herbert said: " He was really impressive in all three of his races. "Early on in the year, his work rider was saying he's the best he's ever ridden. I've been in the game long enough to take these things with a pinch of salt, but it's still very exciting to hear. "He's inexperienced and whether he'll handle Newmarket, who knows? "However, he does have an electrifying turn of foot, which we all saw in the Djebel, and it's exciting to watch. "Andre plans so far in advance. He's known for some time he was pretty special, but he was desperate to get a run into him for experience."
