Bookmakers remove Emperor from Guineas betting

Teofilo has been cut all round for the Stan James 2000 Guineas by bookmakers today, with all the major firms removing Holy Roman Emperor from their ante-post markets on the Newmarket Classic.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Holy Roman Emperor had been second-favourite to Jim Bolger’s Teofilo, with the pair having clashed twice, the latest in a titanic battle for the Dewhurst at Newmarket in October.

The Danehill colt has been retired, according to reports, although no official confirmation has come from the Coolmore operation.

Neil Morrice, public relations spokesman for the sponsors, said: “The news from Ballydoyle about Holy Roman Emperor is a blow to the hordes who were looking forward to watching him lock horns with Teofilo again as a three-year-old.

“His defection has given the race a red-hot market leader in Teofilo, who is unlikely to meet Dutch Art until Guineas day.”

Stan James 2000 Guineas, sponsors bet: 6-4 Teofilo, 7-1 Dutch Art, 12-1 Mount Nelson, 14-1 Strategic Prince, 16-1 Authorized, Eagle Mountain, 20-1 bar.

William Hill: 11-8 Teofilo, 8-1 Dutch Art, 12-1 Strategic Prince, Mount Nelson, 16-1 Authorized, Eagle Mountain, Adagio, 20-1 Duke Of Marmalade, Haatef, 25-1 Truly Royal, 33-1 bar.