Azleet emerges as 1000 Guineas contender after surprise Newmarket victory

In a remarkable turn of events, Azleet has catapulted herself into the spotlight as a potential contender for the prestigious Betfred 1000 Guineas. The Stuart Williams-trained filly, who was largely overlooked at 50-1, pulled off a shocking victory in the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes, a leading trial for the first fillies' Classic of the year. 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. She battled it out 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 delight at the outcome, stating, 'We'll go there and roll the dice in the 1000 Guineas, and it's going to be a special time for me to have a Group One runner in a race at Newmarket.' He also praised Ghiani's ride, saying, 'Marco has given her a brilliant ride today and settled her in at the back.' Azleet's victory has earned her a spot in the 1000 Guineas, and Williams is eager to see how she performs, saying, 'She's a high-class filly and has won a Group Three, so why not have a go at the Guineas?' Meanwhile, the Richard Hughes-trained America Queen will wait an extra week before heading to France for her shot at Classic glory at ParisLongchamp. Hughes noted, 'She did it the hard way, and the winner sat last while we were out in front into a headwind.' Charlie Appleby could target a Listed prize at York with Act Of Kindness, who he feels could excel later in the season, saying, 'She's a nice filly but not a Guineas filly, and that has all come a bit soon for her.' In other news, Damysus looks set to make his mark at the highest level this season, judged on a dominant comeback success in the Betway Earl of Sefton Stakes. Carrying a 3lb penalty, Damysus was the 7-4 favorite and quickly went through the gears to seal the deal in a few strides, ultimately winning by three and three-quarter lengths. John Gosden said, 'I think he will be better this year, and he's not a big horse, but he's more powerful now.' Morshdi announced himself as a Derby contender with victory in the Betway Feilden Stakes, always traveling strongly in the hands of Tom Marquand. William Haggas expressed surprise at the win, saying, 'I'm surprised he's won today, as we can't have a winner at the moment, but that was very nice.' Morshdi was cut to 25-1 from 50-1 by some firms for the Betfred Derby, and Haggas is eyeing a stop-off at Chester en-route to a possible appearance in the premier Classic at Epsom on June 6.