Trainer Charlie Appleby has confirmed that he has withdrawn Emotionless from the Qipco 2000 Guineas later this month.

Appleby was hoping his charge would have a decent chance on April 30 at Newmarket but he has decided against the race and will now pursue other options.

The three-year-old took part in a racecourse gallop at the course last week and connections were willing to go for the Classic but Appleby believes a patient approach will pay dividends.

The Champagne Stakes winner has won two of his first three races so far, but finished last in his last outing in October at Newmarket.

Although Appleby admits it was a tough call, he believes an appearance in the second-half of the season will pay off.

“The horse has done nothing wrong in his work but I feel that he is still maturing and will be a better horse with more time,” Appleby told godolphin.com.

“He is an incredibly exciting horse to train but he is a horse for the second half of the season and he has a real future as a four and five-year-old when he is fully developed.

“The decision not to run is a difficult one but it is in the best interests of the horse and that is all that matters.”

Emotionless’ withdrawal now leaves Air Force Blue as the favourite for the race at odds of 1.73.

The Bay colt has won four of his five races so far and was the winner when Emotionless struggled in October.