Azleet Emerges as 1000 Guineas Contender with Stunning Newmarket Victory

Azleet has catapulted herself into contention for the Betfred 1000 Guineas after pulling off a remarkable 50-1 upset in the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes. Trained by Stuart Williams, Azleet 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, in her reappearance at Newmarket, she stunned onlookers by overcoming a 12-strong field under the skilled guidance of Marco Ghiani. Ghiani expertly settled Azleet at the rear before making a decisive move inside the last three furlongs, leveraging the rising ground to her advantage. In a nail-biting finish, Azleet edged out America Queen by a neck, with Act Of Kindness a length and a half behind in third. Williams expressed his delight, stating, "We'll take a chance in the 1000 Guineas. It's going to be a special moment for me to have a Group One runner at Newmarket. We came here to see if we were good enough, and we got our answer." Reflecting on Azleet's performance, Williams noted, "She had a lot to find on figures, but her last race was marred by a missed break and a terrible run through the race. Today, Marco gave her a brilliant ride, and she's proven herself to be a high-class filly." Meanwhile, Richard Hughes, trainer of the runner-up America Queen, has set his sights on the French Guineas, saying, "She did it the hard way, and the winner had an easier trip. I think she stayed the seven furlongs well, and if they go slow in France, she could have a good chance." Charlie Appleby, trainer of Act Of Kindness, is considering a Listed prize at York, commenting, "She's a nice filly, but not a Guineas filly. Something like the Michael Seely at York might suit her, and I think she'll come forward for a step up to a mile." In other racing news, Damysus made a compelling case for his potential at the highest level with a commanding win in the Betway Earl of Sefton Stakes. Carrying a 3lb penalty, Damysus, trained by John and Thady Gosden, demonstrated instant acceleration when asked, securing victory by three and three-quarter lengths. John Gosden praised his charge, saying, "He's more mature and powerful now. We could see him in a Group Two next and then look at the Group Ones. A race like the Prix d'Ispahan wouldn't be out of the question, leading into Ascot and potentially the Prince of Wales's Stakes." Lastly, Morshdi announced himself as a Derby contender with a victory in the Betway Feilden Stakes. Trained by William Haggas, Morshdi, at 14-1, always traveled strongly and held off the favorite Poseidon's Warrior by a length. Haggas expressed surprise at the win, noting, "He's a lovely little horse, and Tom Marquand felt the nine-furlong distance suited him well. We're considering Chester next, as he will love it round there, although the penalty is a downside."