Horse Power: Luxembourg to grab 2,000 Guineas glory

can win the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas Stakes (British Champions Series) (Colts & Fillies) (3.40pm) at Newmarket on Saturday afternoon.

While may bring up a Classic double for Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien in the QIPCO 1,000 Guineas Stakes (British Champions Series) (Fillies) (3.40pm) back at Headquarters on Sunday.

Trainer Charlie Appleby’s emergence on the Classic scene in recent years has seen the return of racing’s big two operations – Godolphin and Coolmore – going head-to-head. And it looks like this year’s Classics could be all about the big two, starting with the 2,000 Guineas.

Appleby’s unbeaten is the worthy favourite and he looks a tough nut to crack. But a chance is taken on O’Brien’s Luxembourg coming out on top and putting down a marker for more Classic glory in the Cazoo Derby at Epsom in June.

Native Trail has won all five starts, landing all the best trials for the 2,000 Guineas with Group Ones – the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh, the Darley Dewhurst Stakes over seven furlongs of Newmarket’s Rowley Mile – and the Group Three bet365 Craven Stakes over course and distance earlier this month.

He looks solid, under Liverpool FC fan William Buick, and could easily give Appleby a first win in the mile Classic. But for value Luxembourg looks the bet to upset him.

O’Brien’s son of Camelot is also unbeaten in three starts, taking the Group Two Beresford Stakes before landing the Group One Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster on his final start last October.

He is favourite for the Derby and looks ideal for middle distances. But his sire, Camelot, also won the Guineas before winning the Derby in 2012 for O'Brien. And although the step up to middle distances will see him improve further,