O'Brien holds strong hand in Guineas

Comfy and Tikkun were the only major withdrawals from the field for Saturday`s Sagitta 2000 Guineas at today`s confirmation stage.

The pair, trained by Michael Stoute and Roger Charlton respectively, were among some of the more fancied outsiders and were on offer at 20-1 and 25-1 with Coral for the Newmarket Classic.

But the leading contenders all stood their ground, with short-priced favourite Hawk Wing one of nine Aidan O`Brien-trained colts among the 29 horses left in the field.

O`Brien`s Kentucky Derby possibles Johannesburg and Castle Gandolfo were also left in the race at this five-day stage but both seem likely to head for Saturday`s contest at Churchill Downs instead.

Godolphin still have left Naheef, Meshaheer, Parasol and Waldenburg in the race but have taken out Mount Joy and, as expected, Dubai Destination.

France could have two representatives in the race with Andre Fabre`s Massalani and Zipping from Robert Collet`s yard in the field.

Henry Cecil`s Western Verse has also been pulled out of the contest which means the former champion trainer will not be represented in the first colts` Classic of the season.

The Warren Place trainer will also be without a runner in the Sagitta 1000 Guineas, a race he has won six times in the past.

Half Glance and Protectress were taken out of the race as expected as was Godolphin`s Silent Honor, who was declared a non-runner last week.

The Dubai-outfit`s only representative now will be Kazzia.

French filly Danseuse d`Etoile will miss the race, as will John Gosden`s Disco Volante, Lipstick from Mick Channon`s stable and Richard Hannon`s Madame Boulangere.

The only other withdrawal was Persian Pearl from the yard of Bryan McMahon.

A total of 23 fillies remain in the #300,000 contest.