RACING:GODOLPHIN'S 2,000 Guineas options were whittled down to two last night after Fast Company was ruled out of the stanjamesuk.com-sponsored Classic, a race dominated by the Jim Bolger-trained New Approach.
Narrow runner-up to New Approach in last season's Dewhurst when trained by Brian Meehan, the Danehill Dancer colt was one of three possibles for Sheikh Mohammed's outfit, together with Ibn Khaldun and Rio De La Plata.
A statement on godolphin.com read: "Fast Company will not run in the English 2,000 Guineas following a poor blood count which was taken at evening stables on April 29th.
"All plans are now on hold for the colt while he is given a period of time to recover.
"Fast Company holds entries in both the French 2,000 Guineas and the Irish 2,000 Guineas. A decision will be made at a later date with regard to his next intended run."
Hughie Morrison is hopeful Stimulation can improve enough to take a hand in the big race.
The Choisir colt developed into a lively outsider at around 20 to 1 when getting up close home to beat Fat Boy over seven furlongs of the Rowley Mile two weeks ago.
"He's done everything we have wanted him to do and we just hope he can improve significantly enough to feature at the business end of the racing," said the East Ilsley trainer.
"We hope the extra furlong is going to help. If anything we think he will improve for the trip, which is what he needs to do. Everything has gone extremely well, touch wood.
"He will need to improve by one stone. If we get 10lb improvement that would be fantastic. We're realistic about his chances."
Paul Cole's Moynahan has not been seen since winning a hot maiden at York last August, but is set to take his chance at the weekend.
The son of Johannesburg was not hard pressed to beat a smart individual in Iguazu Falls on that occasion, and, despite never having raced beyond six furlongs, Cole has no doubts about his charge getting the trip.
He said: "The trip should be no problem and I think he needs it to be honest.
"He seems to be in great form and has strengthened up over the winter, so we will just have to see how he copes in this grade.
"I hope there is not too much rain, as the faster the ground the better it will be for him. He is an intended runner at this stage, but we will just keep an eye on the weather."
While Andrew Balding admits Dream Eater has plenty to find with some of the principals, he believes his charge could yet prove a plausible long shot.
An impressive winner of the St Leger 2-Y-O Stakes at Doncaster on his penultimate start, the colt went on to finish sixth in the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.
Balding told At The Races yesterday: "I don't think we've seen the best of him yet and he has matured tremendously well over the winter.
"He is a horse who has always had a lot of class and now he seems to be settling a lot better he has every chance of getting the mile.
"It is a seriously hot contest and he is an outsider, but to my mind, I think he will run a big race."
Following Fast Company's withdrawal, William Hill bet: 15-8 New Approach, 3-1 Raven's Pass, 11-2 Ibn Khaldun, 10-1 Henrythenavigator, 14-1 Stimulation, 20-1 Fireside.
