Aidan O’Brien pair Ten Sovereigns and Magna Grecia among 24 to stand their ground in 2,000 Guineas

THIS season’s 2,000 Guineas has seen defection after defection – and at the five day stage, only 24 stand their ground for the first Classic of the season.

The Aidan O’Brien pair of Magna Grecia and Ten Sovereigns head a market decimated by injury.

Last year’s winning trainer is also responsible for Van Beethoven and The Irish Rover in a race that’s seen the challenges of leading fancies Too Darn Hot, Quorto and Mohaather all fall by the wayside in the last few months.

John Gosden, who decided to scrap Calyx from the race last week, is now represented only by Fielden Stakes winner Kick On and 50-1 outsider Azano, while Richard Hannon is set to field both Walkinthesand and Urban Icon.

Godolphin set the cat among the pigeons by supplementing Al Hilalee, who will join fellow Blue Royal Marine in the race, while William Haggas’ Skardu will bid to supplement his Craven win.

Madhmoon is the only other Irish runner in the contest and will bid for his first Group 1 win after just losing out in a Leopardstown trial.

Advertise, Dark Vision, Duke Of Hazzard, Emaraaty Ana, Great Scot, King Of Change, Momkin, Name The Wind, Raakib Alhawa, Set Piece, Shine So Bright and Sporting Chance complete the possible field.