Air Force Blue is on course to clash with Emotionless in a mouthwatering renewal of the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt has only tasted defeat once his four starts and landed a second Group One success in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Curragh last month, on the softest ground he has faced to date.

That also represented a first try at seven furlongs and speaking at Tipperary after saddling bumper winner Lieutenant O'Brien said: "Air Force Blue seems fine and it is so far, so good for the Dewhurst on Saturday.

"We were worried about whether or not to run him with the ground at the Curragh, but we were delighted with the way he ran.

"It (Dewhurst) is always a good race."

Air Force Blue heads the market on next year's 2000 Guineas with most firms, but currently trades as second-favourite for the Dewhurst behind the Charlie Appleby-trained Emotionless.

A son of Shamardal, Emotionless extended his winning run to two when an easy winner of the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.