In emphatically reversing Coventry Stakes form with Buratino and giving trainer Aidan O’Brien his fourteenth success in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes, yesterday afternoon at the Curragh, Air Force Blue was promoted to clear favouritism for next season’s Newmarket 2000 Guineas.

Aidan O’Brien could unleash two more members of his powerful three-year-old squad at York next week with Albert Hall and Mona Lisa set to represent last weekend’s dual Classic-winning trainer on the Knavesmire.