Azleet has thrust herself into contention for the Betfred 1000 Guineas with a remarkable 50-1 win in the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes. Trained by Stuart Williams, the three-year-old filly, who had previously struggled at Listed and Group-race level, upset the odds with her impressive comeback.
Ridden by Marco Ghiani, Azleet was settled at the rear of the 12-strong field before making her move inside the last three furlongs and finding her stride on the rising ground. In a thrilling finish, she fought off America Queen to prevail by a neck.
Williams expressed his delight, stating, 'We'll go to the 1000 Guineas and roll the dice; it's going to be a special time for me to have a Group One runner in a race at Newmarket.' With her Group Three win, Azleet has proven herself to be a high-class filly, and her connections are eager to see how she fares in the Guineas. Meanwhile, America Queen will wait an extra week before heading to France for her shot at Classic glory at ParisLongchamp.
The Richard Hughes-trained runner-up showed great determination, staying the seven furlongs well despite being out in front into a headwind. Hughes praised his filly, saying, 'She did it the hard way...
She's run a blinder and she's a pleasure to train.' In other racing news, Damysus made a dominant comeback in the Betway Earl of Sefton Stakes, while Morshdi announced himself as a Derby contender with victory in the Betway Feilden Stakes.