Hills keen to take on Guineas favourite Churchill

Churchill will face nine opponents on the course and another in the betting market after William Hill announced they would be taking on the red hot favourite for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas.

The colt who bids to give trainer Aidan O'Brien a record eighth victory in the Newmarket Classic has been pushed out from 5-4 to 2-1 favourite by the firm.

Godolphin's Barney Roy has been cut to 7-2 from 4-1 and Al Wukair, the sole challenger from France, is 4-1 from 9-2.

"Churchill has the standout two-year-old form from last season, but we’re happy to take him on at 2-1," said William Hill spokesman Tony Kenny. Barney Roy, Al Wukair and Eminent all look like strong contenders – and we believe it's far from a one-horse race."

O’Brien is also hoping Rhododendron, favourite for the Qipco 1,000 Guineas, will bloom on Sunday and Hills are offering odds of 3-1 about Ballydoyle completing the Guineas double.