Sport

Teofilo on target for Guineas despite 'setback'

News round-up : Teofilo has suffered a "training setback" but remains on target for the Stan James 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket…

Wed Apr 18 2007 - 01:00

News round-up: Teofilo has suffered a "training setback" but remains on target for the Stan James 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 5th.

Speculation was rife on Monday that all was not well with Jim Bolger's Dewhurst winner after his price drifted alarmingly on the exchanges.

Several major bookmakers also suspended betting on the first Classic of the season. But despite admitting his unbeaten Galileo colt is not 100 per cent, Bolger insists Teofilo is still on course for the 2,000 Guineas.

The Co Carlow handler said in a statement: "Teofilo has had a training setback. When trotted yesterday afternoon he showed slight discomfort.

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"As a result, his training will be restricted to walking and swimming for one week.

"Otherwise, he is fit and well and on target for his 2,000 Guineas tilt on May 5th.

"A further statement on his condition will be issued early next week."

Sponsors Stan James have now reopened their market on the race but have eased Bolger's charge slightly to 6 to 4.

"Having suspended our market when the adverse rumours about Teofilo did the rounds, we have now gone back up and eased the favourite out to 6 to 4 from 11 to 8," said media and on-course representative Neil Morrice.

"As sponsors, we are delighted to hear that there was insufficient substance in the rumours about Teofilo's well-being to jeopardise his appearance in our race on May 5th.

"It looks as if the colt will miss a week of work, which equates to a couple of gallops. But despite this, there is no reason why Jim Bolger shouldn't have him ready to run a fortnight on Saturday."

Stan James 2,000 Guineas Sponsors bet: 6-4 Teofilo, 9-2 Dutch Art, 7 US Ranger, 15-2 Strategic Prince, 14 Mount Nelson, Haatef, 16 Adagio, 20 bar.

Meanwhile, Aidan O'Brien will have the choice of four entries in Sunday's Group Three PW McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown, which has attracted 14 possible entries.

O'Brien has won the race in recent seasons with such top-class animals as High Chaparral, Yeats and Galileo. This year he has the choice of recent Derby gamble Macarthur, Acapulco, Anton Chekov and The Ethiopian.

John Oxx used the Ballysax to start Sinndar's Derby-winning campaign and has entered the once-raced Hasanka.

Jim Bolger could run recent 2,000 Guineas Trial winner Creachadoir, while Dermot Weld has Consul General engaged.

Frank Ennis may be represented by Ferneley, third to Teofilo in the Futurity Stakes. The Paul Blockley-trained Rabbit Fighter is the sole British entry.