Saxon Warrior still on course for Guineas says O'Brien despite market drift

Saxon Warrior remains in Ballydoyle's plans for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas, trainer Aidan O'Brien reported on Friday, despite unease in betting markets.

The unbeaten Racing Post Trophy winner was available to back at 9.6 on Betfair and also eased with fixed odds firms, out to 6-1 (from 5).

However, the colt is certainly not out of the reckoning to make his seasonal return in the Newmarket Classic on Saturday week.

"Things are still a bit up in the air but Saxon Warrior is still on the road for the 2,000 Guineas, along with Gustav Klimt, US Navy Flag and maybe Murillo," said O'Brien.

Gustav Klimt is the general 5-2 favourite, while O'Brien also has the market leader for the Qipco 1,000 Guineas the following day, in the shape of dual Group 1 winner Happily.

O'Brien added: "Happily, I Can Fly and possibly a few others are being aimed at the 1,000.

"As previously indicated Clemmie won't be running and will be trained for the Irish 1,000 Guineas."

The Sir Michael-trained Expert Eye, runner-up in the Greenham last weekend and a general 14-1 chance for the 2,000 Guineas, is on target for Newmarket.

Owner Khalid Abdullah's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said on Friday: "We're pointing Expert Eye towards the 2,000 Guineas at the moment. He's come out of Newbury in good shape."

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com

Tony O'HehirRacing Post Reporter

Published on 27 April 2018inNews

Last updated 16:32, 27 April 2018

Copy