Twain doubtful for 2000 Guineas following unsatisfactory scope

Aidan O’Brien’s Betfred 2000 Guineas hope Twain has been declared a major doubt for Saturday’s opening Classic of the season at Newmarket.

The son of Wootton Bassett was heading to the Rowley Mile as the Ballydoyle handler’s main contender for an 11th 2000 Guineas success after his remarkable efforts last autumn when winning a Group One in France just a week after a successful debut at Leopardstown.

However, an unsatisfactory scope on Tuesday morning has made a switch to the Irish equivalent more likely.

A statement on owners Coolmore’s X page read: “Following his work this morning, Twain didn’t scope 100% so is unlikely to run in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and may now be aimed at the Irish 2,000 Guineas instead.

“Expanded is likely to be Ballydoyle’s only runner in the 2,000 Guineas on Saturday.”

Twain was the general second favourite behind John and Thady Gosden’s Field Of Gold in the 2000 Guineas betting, with the impressive Craven Stakes scorer now shortening into 7-4 with the sponsors.

Ballydoyle stablemate Expanded assumes Twain’s position as chief market rival and is 5-1 with the same firm.