Richard Hills facing Guineas dilemma

Richard Hills admits he is spoiled for choice as he ponders which of Sheikh Hamdan's two top-class fillies he will ride in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket on Sunday week.

Feilden Stakes winner Rumoush was the subject of a major gamble last night, amid upbeat reports from trainer Marcus Tregoning. She was slashed to 9-1 from 16-1 with William Hill.

But Hills hinted he could opt to ride Sir Michael Stoute's Tabassum, currently a best-priced 14-1 with Paddy Power for the mile Classic.

Tabassum won the Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket last October but has not been seen since going down by a length to Music Show in the Rockfel Stakes at Headquarters two weeks' later.

Hills said: "There's no question it will be a difficult decision and one that I will leave as late as possible. People forget that Tabassum was odds on to win the Rockfel Stakes. She's a very good filly but Rumoush won easily last week."

The Classic-winning jockey will also partner Awzaan for Mark Johnston in the 2,000 Guineas on Saturday week. Unbeaten in three races and showing a good turn of foot in each of them over six furlongs last season, Hills is adamant his mount has the stamina for the colts' mile Classic.

He said: "Awzaan is in very good form and he'll definitely stay the distance. I wouldn't have it on my mind that he won't see a mile out.

"He could probably even get a mile and a quarter. He's a really interesting horse and a typically competitive Mark Johnston type.

"I wouldn't want to swap him for anything and am looking forward to a big weekend."