In a remarkable turn of events, Azleet has catapulted herself into contention for the Betfred 1000 Guineas following a shock 50-1 win in the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes. Trained by Stuart Williams, the three-year-old had previously shown promise with two wins from seven starts as a juvenile but had fallen short when tested at Listed and Group-race levels. However, under the skilled guidance of Marco Ghiani, Azleet made a striking comeback, surging from the rear of the 12-strong field to claim victory by a neck, with America Queen and Act Of Kindness closely following in second and third, respectively.
Williams expressed his delight at the outcome, stating, 'We'll take a chance in the 1000 Guineas, and it will be a special moment for me to have a Group One runner in a Newmarket race.' The trainer also highlighted Azleet's previous performance, where she had a poor start and a troubled run but still managed to finish strongly. Ghiani's clever ride, which involved settling Azleet at the back before making a move in the final three furlongs, was instrumental in the filly's success. As Azleet prepares to return to the Rowley Mile for the 1000 Guineas, her connections are filled with excitement and anticipation. Meanwhile, the Richard Hughes-trained America Queen, who finished second, will head to France for the French Guineas, while Charlie Appleby may target a Listed prize at York with Act Of Kindness.
Elsewhere, Damysus made a dominant comeback in the Betway Earl of Sefton Stakes, securing a three-and-three-quarter-length victory under James Doyle. John Gosden, the trainer, believes Damysus will be better this year, citing his increased power and maturity as a four-year-old.
The colt is expected to excel over trips ranging from a mile to a mile and a quarter, with potential targets including the Lockinge Stakes and the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. In other news, Morshdi emerged as a Derby contender with a victory in the Betway Feilden Stakes, defeating the favorite Poseidon's Warrior by a length. Trained by William Haggas, Morshdi was always traveling strongly and held off the challenge of the market leader to secure the win. Haggas expressed surprise at the victory, given his stable's recent lack of winners, but was pleased with the performance, stating, 'He's a lovely little horse and has always been a bonny horse.' Morshdi is now being considered for the Betfred Derby, with a potential stop-off at Chester en route to Epsom.