Godolphin left their Sagitta 2,000 Guineas options open yesterday by leaving in four horses along with main hope Tobougg. Frankie Dettori's mount was backed up by Rumpold, West Order, Noverre and Devine Task at the latest acceptance stage for the Newmarket Classic.

Aidan O'Brien has even greater numbers with no less than eight - including the Middle Park Stakes winner Minardi - in the race on Saturday week.

The other big player in the race is Hamdan Al-Maktoum who can field the deposed favourite Nayef and the Greenham Stakes winner Munir.

Thirty-three horses have been left in the first colts' Classic reflecting the wide-open nature of this year's race.

Michael Hills, who has ridden in most of the significant trials, admitted the race is confusing. He partnered the unraced Devine Task to split Rumpold and Tobougg in a trial at Nad Al Sheba.

"It was a trial - a-wake up for the horses. I wouldn't say Frankie has made a mistake (in choosing Tobougg) but I don't know," he said.

Hills was pleased with his mount in that contest and added: "The trial was a bit slow and it probably suited the front horse more. I thought my horse showed himself really well."

Hills' twin brother Richard is in the enviable position of being able to choose between riding Nayef and Munir at Newmarket.