24 on course for 2,000 Guineas

Twenty-four racehorses remain on course for an appearance in the year’s first classic following the five day forfeit stage for the 2009 2,000 Guineas.

Aidan O’Brien holds a strong hand going into the race, with 5 entries currently in contention for a spot at Newmarket on the weekend. However, last year’s champion trainer is widely expected to send Set Sail and Westphalia to France.

Two of O’Brien’s horses are positioned in the top three in the 2,000 Guineas betting markets, with Rip Van Winkle and Mastercraftsman both priced under 5/1 by William Hill.

The race favourite, Craven Stakes winner, Delegator, is priced 7/2 to beat O’Brien’s charges at Newmarket.

However, Delegator’s trainer, Brian Meehan, has suggested that his 2,000 Guineas may defect from the race if the ground conditions at Newmarket don’t soften ahead of the weekend.

“I’ll monitor the ground throughout the week and also keep one eye on the weather forecasts, because we’re not prepared to risk Delegator is conditions are too firm,” Meehan told the Racing Post.

“We’re all very keen to run at Newmarket and his latest piece of work was very good indeed, but it would be senseless to go there on the wrong ground when the following weekend we have the option of the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp.”