STORM TROOPER marches straight to the 2,000 Guineas after yesterday's runaway victory at Newmarket.

The decision, announced in the wake of Alhaarth's defeat at the hands of Beauchamp King in the Craven Stakes, was relayed in a statement issued by Storm Trooper's trainer, Henry Cecil.

Cecil had been guarded about the prospects of Fahd Salman's three year old lining up for the first colts' Classic after he had galloped away with the nine furlong Fielden Stakes, saying he would discuss matters with the owner.

But a statement issued last night from Warren Place read Anthony Pen fold (racing manager to the owner) and Henry Cecil after talking to His Royal Highness Prince Fahd Salman the Prince has decided to take his chance in the 2,000 Guineas with Storm Trooper."

The announcement left book makers in the dark.

Corals had initially decided not to quote Storm Trooper for the Guineas but installed him as 10 to 1 joint second favourite for the Derby.

Cecil said immediately after the race "I was delighted with the way he won, as when he hits the front he thinks he has done enough. He looks as if he'll stay and we were just wondering if he had enough speed.

"We were wondering about running him in the Craven Stakes but he's quite a light horse and he's only just started to really do so we decided to give him more of a chance by running in this."

Lionize, who is also still in the first colts Classic, landed some tasty bets when making a winning debut in the Alex Scott Maiden Stakes, being shaken up by John Reid to beat Mutadarra by just over a length.

The Storm Cat colt, trained by Peter Chapple Hyam for bookmaker Michael Tabor, was the subject of wagers of £11,000 £10,000 and £10,000 £11,000. Chapple Hyam will wait on a 2,000 Guineas decision.