Abbey heads O’Brien’s 2000 Guineas possibles
Other possibles starters for the Ballydoyle team include Beethoven and Dewhurst second and fourth Fencing Master and Steinbeck as well as Cape Blanco, Joshua Tree and Jan Vermeer.
Godolphin has the largest number of entries of any owner with 14 including Breeders’ Cup Juvenile hero Vale Of York, top Irish recruits Chabal and Kingsfort, French Group One winner Passion For Gold and the unbeaten Zeitoper.
Mark Johnston’s Middle Park winner Awzaan, Brian Meehan’s Arcano, the Richard Hannon-trained Canford Cliffs and Sir Michael Stoute trio Workforce, Treble Jig and Markazzi and Clive Cox’s Xtension, are also among the 91 entries.
Xtension may be sent for the first Classic of the Flat season on May 1 without a prep-run.
One of the best of last season’s juveniles, Xtension was a very close third to Beethoven in the Dewhurst, won the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood and chased home Canford Cliffs in the Coventry at Royal Ascot.
Meanwhile, Criquette Head-Maarek has provided some encouraging news for ante-post supporters of the StanJames.com 1000 Guineas favourite Special Duty.
The Chantilly trainer is fond of the Newmarket Classic, winning it three times before, and has confirmed Special Duty to be heading for the Rowley Mile in May at this stage.
Special Duty is among the 71 entries and the clear 7-2 market leader with the sponsors after finishing a close second to Arcano in the Prix Morny and running away with the Cheveley Park Stakes last October.
“Special Duty has wintered very well – she has filled out and grown a little – and looks very well at the moment.”
There are two other French-trained entries – Joanna and Ayun Tara, and plenty of British interest.
Leading fancies Seta and Misheer have both been entered as well as five from Henry Cecil. They include Principal Role, the exciting Kempton maiden winner Aviate and the well-bred Timepiece.
Barry Hills could choose from Sent From Heaven and Za Za Zoom, while Hibaayeb and Siyaadah head four from Godolphin.
Aidan O’Brien has 10 to choose from including Lillie Langtry and You’ll Be Mine.
