Elarqam primed for 2000 Guineas

Connections of Elarqam say they are confident of a good showing in Saturday's 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

The Mark Johnston-trained runner is among the list of horses at the five-day acceptance stage for this weekend's big race and is expected to go well, despite the presence of the likes of Gustav Klimt and Saxon Warrior from Aidan O'Brien's stable.

Elarqam, a product of two previous Guineas winners in Frankel and Attraction, won on both of his starts last season and Johnston's son and assistant, Charlie, says he is in fine shape ahead of the race even if he admits a lack of experience is a concern.

“The only doubt maybe is that he's not as experienced as some of his rivals,” he told At The Races. “He's had two runs and that's part of the reason he's been to Newmarket for a racecourse gallop, to get a bit more experience and look around the place.

“We are very confident in our horse and we wouldn't swap him for anything.”

Other leading contenders for the race include Racing Post Trophy winner Saxon Warrior, while the likes of US Navy Flag and Murillo are also tipped to impress.

Craven winner Masar is also on the list, along with another of Johnston's charges, Cardsharp, while John Gosden has Without Parole and Roaring Lion on board.