Spring to action

With the British climate on the up at last, Newmarket commences the Craven meeting today, with the main focus on the fillies assembling for a wide-open renewal of the traditional 1000 Guineas prep, the G3 Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn S. As befits any Classic trial, there is the customary mix of last year’s proven pattern-race performers and the ones whose light was hidden more under a bushel for a variety of reasons. In the latter category are two who could yet quicken the pulse from two of the most formidable organizations in Beautiful Romance (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) and Lady Correspondent (War Front). 

While the former, who races in the royal blue of Godolphin, was all visual consternation with her nine-length romp in a Doncaster mile maiden in late October, Juddmonte’s Lady Correspondent had much less in hand over her rivals at the finish of her course-and-distance debut in September. Khalid Abdullah’s racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe is keeping his usual sense of perspective, despite the encouraging vibes emanating from John Gosden’s stable. “She has obviously just had the one run and won her maiden well,” he said. “She’s had a good winter and a very straightforward time in her preparation and we’re looking forward to seeing her run. We’re obviously working towards the Guineas, if she’s good enough.”

Of those who would not need any great leap to book their Guineas ticket, the Richard Hannon trainees Osaila (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) and Marsh Hawk (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) hold sway, with the former bidding to get Al Shaqab off to a flyer in one of the most important races so far during the still-budding 2015 European flat season. Last seen finishing third in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ Turf at Santa Anita in October, she had earlier won the G3 Princess Margaret S. at Ascot in July. “Osaila was a good filly last season, when she had the class to win the Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot, despite the six furlongs being too sharp,” Hannon commented. “The Rowley Mile will suit her ideally and she has developed enormously through the winter, so we go there hopeful.” Of the G1 Fillies’ Mile fourth Marsh Hawk, he added, “She won twice last season and also ran really well in the Fillies Mile here, so she, too, deserves the utmost respect.”