Azleet Enters 1000 Guineas Contention with Stunning 50-1 Newmarket Victory
Azleet has emerged as a contender for the Betfred 1000 Guineas after securing a surprise win in the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes. The three-year-old, trained by Stuart Williams, overcame odds of 50-1 to claim victory, defying expectations with a strong finish. Settled at the rear of the 12-strong field by jockey Marco Ghiani, Azleet made her move inside the last three furlongs and found her stride on the rising ground. She battled with America Queen in the final half-furlong, ultimately prevailing by a neck, with Act Of Kindness finishing a length and a half behind in third. Williams expressed his excitement about Azleet's potential, stating that they will take a chance in the 1000 Guineas, considering her strong performance despite being a widely unconsidered outsider. The trainer highlighted that Azleet had previously shown promise, particularly in her last race of the previous season, where she finished strongly despite a poor start. Ghiani's brilliant ride and Azleet's high-class ability make her a compelling contender for the Guineas. Meanwhile, other trainers, including Richard Hughes and Charlie Appleby, shared their thoughts on their respective horses' performances, with some eyeing future races, such as the French Guineas and the Michael Seely at York.