News Air Force Blue spearheads strong Aidan O'Brien Guineas charge

Air Force Blue spearheads strong Aidan O'Brien Guineas charge

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Air Force Blue leads 65 entries for the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on April 30.

Aidan O'Brien's colt was crowned Europe's Champion Two-Year-Old and the best juvenile since Frankel in 2010 following his impressive Dewhurst success.

He could lead a strong Ballydoyle assault, with Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Hit It A Bomb and Criterium International scorer Johannes Vermeer also among the possibles.

Michael O'Callaghan's easy Group Three Killavullan Stakes winner Blue De Vega could be another live Irish hope, while Andre Fabre has Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Ultra.

John Gosden has yet to win the 2000 Guineas but he has six contenders this term, headed by Royal Lodge Stakes winner Foundation.

Godolphin's Emotionless suffered a knee injury when disappointing on his final start in the Dewhurst, but Charlie Appleby reports the colt on the Classic trail along with Goodwood maiden winner Folkswood.

Appleby said: "Emotionless is in full work and is progressing weekly.

"He is coming on at such a pace that we could tip-toe him towards a Guineas trial but it wouldn't worry me if he goes straight for the 2000 Guineas as he is the type of horse that I know I can get fit at home.

"He had a knee chip in his top knee joint removed cleanly and successfully and has been in work since just before the New Year

"Air Force Blue was obviously very impressive in the Dubai Dewhurst but he's already been beaten once, so he's not unbeatable.

"I have also got Folkswood in the race. He won a nice maiden in early August and then got sore shins, so I backed off him and put him away.

"He has a lot to prove but we will look for a race for him in early spring to find out where we stand."