Trainer Aidan O’Brien says Churchill looks to be in top form ahead of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday.

Churchill will race for the first time in over 200 days on Saturday, with his last race coming on October 8 2016, but O’Brien says his charge is ready for his first outing of the season.

He told the Telegraph: “He seems to be fine. Everything has gone well.

“He was a very mature two-year-old, big and strong with plenty of scope. I’ve been very happy with him over the winter.

“We think he is well ready to start. I’m very happy with him at the moment.” He added:

“The Guineas should be no problem. “He travels very smoothly through his races and has a lot of pace.”

Churchill, who has never raced beyond seven furlongs, heads to Newmarket seeking a sixth successive win.

The two-year-old is also expected to contest the Investec Derby next month and Churchill is 7.00 to claim the win in the Epsom showpiece. Cracksman is 11.00 and Yucatan is 21.00 ahead of the Epsom Derby.