Classic countdown - news digest

Choisir 1-2 in Newmarket Listed contest

Trainer Hughie Morrison had thought that Stimulation (Choisir - Damiana, by Thatching) could be a 2000 Guineas colt, and he will run in the Classic after winning a tense Listed Making Better Betting European Free Handicap over seven furlongs at Newmarket on Wednesday.

Peter Chapple-Hyam's Listed winnerFat Boy, also by Choisir, led under Frankie Dettori, but Stimulation came with a strong run in the final furlong to get up by a nose on the line. Royal Confidence had also challenged in the final furlong for the Hills team, and went down by a neck in third.

Stimulation showed useful form at two, winning his maiden on debut before finishing second to Guineas hope Confront in a conditions event at Ascot. His final start saw him finish a head second to Beacon Lodge in the Group Three Horris Hill at Newbury.

Morrison said after the race: "I thought we were beat. He is so laid-back but is a star and now he has won a trial we will have to look at the Guineas.

"A fast-run mile should suit him better than a slow-run seven furlongs and it may be he wants even further in time. On that running he should stay further, and if you don't try you don't have a chance."