Jean-Claude Rouget thinks Abtaal could finish in the first four in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas after pleasing him in his preparations.
Hamdan Al Maktoum's colt was narrowly beaten by Saturday rival French Fifteen on his seasonal return in the Prix Djebel at Maisons-Laffitte but the top trainer is expecting significant improvement ahead of his Newmarket bid.
"He was not fit enough to win the Djebel and the trip was a bit short for him, but he has improved a lot from the race and that is why we decided to confirm Newmarket for him," Rouget told At The Races.
"It is never easy to win the Guineas, but I think he has improved enough to be competitive and finish in the first four. Christophe Soumillon told me the horse would like the track at Newmarket."
