The stats are stacked against St Nicholas Abbey. Just one Guineas favourite in the last 16 years has prevailed — the O'Brien-trained George Washington five years ago.
He was also the only Champion two-year-old from the previous season to win from the last 10 to have tried.
Ahern has a clear idea of the tactics he'll employ after watching Elusive Pimpernel's recent romp.
He said: "I was getting some physiotherapy at Newmarket when he won the Craven [under Ryan Moore] and he really impressed me when I saw how he'd filled out.
"He won really well considering I felt they didn't go enough of a gallop for him and it took him a while to get going.
"They can go slowly in these types of races and I hope they go a fast gallop in the Guineas. The plan will be simple enough: sit handy and get the ball rolling.
"I liked the way that he quickened away at the end of the race and the faster ground will hopefully be in my favour. I think he ticks all the boxes."
Despite stamina doubts, Canford Cliffs is the best horse Richard Hannon says he's trained — and those remarks should not be taken lightly. The Coventry Stakes winner must also merit serious consideration.
Sunday's 1,000 Guineas is at the mercy of Special Duty. The French raider split Arcano and Canford Cliffs in the Prix Morny before taking a strong renewal of the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes over six furlongs at Newmarket last autumn.
She drew clear in a style that suggested that she would get a mile, although trainer Criquette Head-Maarek had her doubts after the filly got stuck in the mud at Maisons-Laffitte on her seasonal debut three weeks ago.
The faster ground is sure to help and she has enough stamina in her pedigree to believe she warrants plenty of support.
With her high cruising speed, Rumoush could be the biggest danger. Marcus Tregoning's filly looks better suited by further but may possess the class to win over a mile.
