Hughes insists Canford Cliffs can scale heights

The Richard Hannon-trained colt was sent off the 10-11 favourite on his seasonal debut in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury after a juvenile campaign that saw him win two out of three starts.

However, his dream return was scuppered by stablemate Dick Turpin who swooped late to win by half a length after Canford Cliffs drifted across the track under pressure.

Despite that defeat, Hughes retains faith in the son of Tagula and believes he should get the mile trip in the Newmarket Classic. "He's a different horse now than he was before the Greenham," said Hughes, whose mount has been drawn in stall four.

Hannon will be seeking his fourth Guineas success and although Hughes has opted to partner Canford Cliffs, he had some words of encouragement for supporters of Dick Turpin. He added: "Dick Turpin is a very good horse. He was only beaten a few lengths in the Dewhurst and he ran flat. He was never on the bridle."

A total of 19 runners have been declared with Aidan O'Brien's St Nicholas Abbey and the John Dunlop-trained Elusive Pimpernel featuring on the list of intended runners.