Rhododendron heads three for O'Brien in fillies’ Classic

Aidan O'Brien saddled the first three home in last year's Qipco 1,000 Guineas and will have three bullets to fire on Sunday after declaring Hydrangea and Winter alongside favourite Rhododendron.

Stablemates Rain Goddess or Roly Poly were both scratched, as were Dabyah and Sea Of Grace, and all four could head to Deauville for the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches.

Rhododendron tops the market at a best-priced 15-8 and faces 13 rivals, led by Fair Eva and Daban.

Perfect racing conditions

As for ground conditions at Newmarket, clerk of the course Michael Prosser said on Friday: "We're good to firm. We put a small amount of water on the track last night, 2mm, and that has maintained the state of the ground."

He added: "We're forecast fair and dry conditions on Saturday and Sunday with temperatures around at 14C, so it should be perfect racing conditions."

Dahlia and Derrinstown declarations

Nine were declared for Sunday's Group 2 Charm Spirit Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket, including the O'Brien-trained Somehow, a winner just last Sunday at Gowran Park, and French-trained duo Silver Step and Aim To Please. The trophy was exported to France last year courtesy of Usherette.

Six are set to contest Sunday's Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown, with O'Brien responsible for half of them in Capri, Yucatan and Douglas Macarthur.