The first classics of the racing season take place at Newmarket this weekend with Qabala and Ten Sovereigns going in as favourites.

Aidan O’Brien is looking for an amazing tenth 2,000 Guineas and he has the favourite in Ten Sovereigns for Saturday’s race, but he admits he does not know if he has the stamina.

“He’s done very well (over the winter). We were delighted with him last year – and he’s a fine, big colt now,” said O’Brien.

“You can’t be sure about the mile until he goes and does it, but we’ve been happy with him so far.”

For Sunday’s 1,000 Guineas the favourite it Qabala, trained by Roger Varian – who has only won previous classic win to his name.

“She has worked well and she worked well last year before she ran and won. We have high hopes for her,” he said.

Qabala heads Coral’s betting for the 1,000 Guineas at 3-1, ahead of Skitter Scatter at 5-1, after 15 runners were declared for the fillies’ Classic today.  Fairyland, Just Wonderful and Iridessa are all 8-1, with Dandhu and Mot Juste both 10-1.

“Qabala leapt to the head of the 1,000 Guineas betting with a decisive victory in the Nell Gwyn Stakes last month, and only Skitter Scatter looks likely to challenge her position as favourite now,” said Coral’s David Stevens.

In the 2,000 Guineas market, Ten Sovereigns continues to shorten, with Ryan Moore’s mount now 10-3 (from 7-2) favourite, while his stablemate Magna Grecia is out to 5-1 (from 9-2).

“At the start of the week Ten Sovereigns had taken a walk in the market out to 5-1, with Magna Grecia the clear market leader, but since Ryan Moore was confirmed as the former’s big race rider, he’s been all the rage with punters and now looks certain to be sent off favourite,” said Coral’s David Stevens.