St Nicholas Abbey, a top priced 13-8 chance with the sponsors, today headed 27 runners who stood their ground for the StanJames.com 2000 Guineas on May 2.
The unbeaten colt, a brilliant winner of the Racing Post Trophy, was one of four runners left in by Aidan O'Brien at today's acceptance stage.
The Ballydoyle maestro has also left in Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes runner-up Fencing Master, Fighting Brave and Viscount Nelson.
Also among the acceptors is Elusive Pimpernel, who stormed to an impressive four-length victory in the Group Three Racing Post breezeupbonus.com Craven Stakes at Newmarket on 15th April and is currently 5-1 second favourite with Stan James.
Marcus Hosgood, racing secretary to trainer John Dunlop, said today: “Elusive Pimpernel has come out of his Newmarket run in good order and we have been pleased by his progress since.”
Also among the acceptors are the Richard Hannon-trained pair of Dick Turpin and Canford Cliffs, first and second respectively in the Group Three Greenham Stakes at Newbury last Saturday.
