‘He makes it so easy’ - Heffernan on why Churchill has what it takes

Straightforward, self-confident and oh so relaxed – those are the three attributes that will make Churchill a tough nut to crack in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas according to Seamie Heffernan, the only man other than Ryan Moore to have experienced the thrill of riding him in public.

Heffernan, such an integral part of the team at Ballydoyle over the last two decades, was on board Churchill for his smooth success in the Group 2 Futurity Stakes last August, the only occasion Moore was not in the saddle.

And he is convinced the son of Galileo has what it takes to give Aidan O'Brien an eighth victory in the first Classic of the season, a feat that would edge him ahead of John Scott, who sent out seven winners in the 19th century, on the roll of honour.

Churchill, who is as short as 11-10 favourite, will face only nine rivals on Saturday, the smallest 2,000 Guineas field since Doyoun's victory in 1988, and Heffernan had high praise for the two-time Group 1 winner who he has witnessed mature this spring and believes has blossomed again.

"I've always loved Churchill. He's very easy to like because he's so relaxed and straightforward. Everybody seems to be very happy with him and he looks great," Heffernan said. "He's a very confident horse. We always thought a lot of him and rated him highly so nothing really surprised me about him the day I won on him at the Curragh.

"I was very impressed with him and he could not have done it any easier. He relaxes during his races and makes everything easy."

Churchill and Ryan Moore are led in after landing the Chesham Stakes at Royal AscotCredit: Mark Cranham

Joseph O'Brien is a big fan too. The trainer's son, who guided Camelot to victory in 2012, believes Churchill achieved more as a juvenile than any of his father's past winners of the race.

"Churchill is an imposing, good-looking colt who I can't wait to see in the Guineas," Joseph said. "I don't think many horses have brought the form that he has at two into the Guineas. He did everything right last year and let's hope he can continue at three where he left off at two. He's looked exceptional."

Those who have ridden against him believe Churchill is exceptional too. Colin Keane tried to beat him twice last year. He got within two and a half lengths of him in the Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown when fourth on King Electric but was 13½ lengths in arrears on Psychedelic Funk in the National Stakes.

Keane said: "He's a gorgeous horse and I could not find one fault with him. I tried to follow him in the National Stakes but I didn't get to follow him for long. He just took off. He seems very relaxed too, and he'll take some beating in the Guineas. Aidan is a genius at having them ready first time out."

Wayne Lordan is the only rider to have finished first ahead of Churchill, having been on board Van Der Decken for Tommy Stack at the Curragh last May when landing a 6f maiden, with the Guineas favourite third on his debut.

Lordan was also second on Alexios Komnenos in the Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown and now works at Ballydoyle so knows Churchill better than most.

He said: "I loved the way Churchill stuck at it when he won the Tyros. When I came upsides him that day I think it helped him and he found a bit more. He's a very relaxed colt with a lot of class and everybody seems to be very happy with what he is doing."

Churchill has not run this spring and some strong contenders have emerged from the major Guineas trials. Barney Roy impressed in the Greenham at Newbury and a few days earlier Eminent had put his marker down with victory in Newmarket's Craven Stakes. Both are among the ten declarations.

There is also Al Wukair, who won the Prix Djebel for two-time Guineas-winning trainer Andre Fabre and has been gradually shortening ever since.

Peace Envoy's defection leaves O'Brien with three runners, his team completed by Lancaster Bomber and Spirit Of Valor.

Only Rivet and Peace Envoy were taken out of the race at the final declaration stage.

Big guns stand firm in Palace House

The Longholes Palace House Stakes on Saturday looks set to be a highly informative renewal. The 16 runners include King's Stand winner Profitable, Abbaye winner Marsha and Washington DC.

The progressive Priceless and old hand Muthmir are also among the contenders for the first big five-furlong sprint of the season. Profitable has been drawn in stall one, but is unlikely to be isolated with a few pacy runners nearby, notably Thesme in stall three.

Jockey Club Stakes hard to call

A typically light field of six will face the starter in the Dunaden Jockey Club Stakes but it is not so lop-sided as can often be the case.

Last year's Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks winner Seventh Heaven is favourite at 6-4 with bet365, but three of her five rivals are deemed to have a fighting chance.

King Edward VII Stakes winner Across The Stars is second in the betting at 11-4, while the progressive Galapiat and Hong Kong Vase third One Foot In Heaven are 5-1 and 6-1. The field is completed by Cleonte and Pinzolo.

Saturday's Newmarket card