Godolphin weigh up their options

Dubai: Godolphin are weighing their options in the build-up to this weekend's English Classics - the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

The Dubai-owned stable have left in three horses for the colt's classic on Saturday, including Group One winners Ibn Khaldun and Rio De La Plata, and Fast Company, who was a noteworthy runner-up in last year's Group One Darley Dewhurst Stakes.

Laureldean Gale is a likely contender for the fillies' classic, the 1,000 Guineas, which takes place on Sunday.

No decision

Godolphin last won the 2,000 Guineas in 1999 with Island Sands while Kazzia won the 1,000 Guineas in 2002.

A total of 19 colts were left in at Monday's five-day confirmation stage.

Godolphin trainer Saeed Bin Surour issued an upbeat bulletin about his intended runners. "They are all in good form, but there's no decision yet about the three runners.

"We will decide soon, there's plenty of time," he said.

"The trio are reported to be fit and well after spending the winter in Dubai and have only been back in Newmarket for a few days."

English bookmaker rate Racing Post Trophy winner Ibn Khaldun as their best chance and have him as the second favourite in the ante-post market behind hot favourite New Approach.

New Approach had the former Brian Meehan-trained Fast Company and Rio De La Plata back in second and fourth places respectively when winning the Dewhurst Stakes last season.

"Fast Company worked today and we are happy with him," Bin Surour said.