Azleet Emerges as 1000 Guineas Contender Following Stunning 50-1 Newmarket Victory

In a remarkable turn of events, Azleet has thrust herself into contention for the Betfred 1000 Guineas following a shocking win at the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes. Trained by Stuart Williams, the three-year-old filly had previously shown promise with two wins from seven starts in her juvenile season but had fallen short when tested at Listed and Group-race levels. As a result, she was largely overlooked at 50-1 odds for her reappearance in this key trial for the first fillies' Classic of the year. However, under the skilled guidance of Marco Ghiani, Azleet made a stunning comeback, settling 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 nail-biting finish, she 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 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.' He praised Ghiani's ride, saying, 'Marco has given her a brilliant ride today and settled her in at the back. She got a little keen at halfway but has come home strong.' The victory has marked Azleet as a high-class filly, and Williams is eager to see how she performs in the Guineas. Meanwhile, America Queen, trained by Richard Hughes, 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.' America Queen will aim for the French Guineas, where she could capitalize on her ability to battle back and stay the seven furlongs well. In other news, Charlie Appleby could target a Listed prize at York with Act Of Kindness, who he believes could excel later in the season. Appleby said, 'She's a nice filly but not a Guineas filly, and that has all come a bit soon for her.' He plans to step her up to a mile, which could suit her better, and may aim for the Michael Seely at York. The racing world also saw Damysus make a dominant comeback in the Betway Earl of Sefton Stakes, demonstrating his potential for the highest level this season. With a 3lb penalty for his previous win, Damysus was the 7-4 favorite and quickly took over, securing victory by three and three-quarter lengths. John Gosden, his trainer, stated, 'I think he will be better this year, and he's not a big horse, but he's more powerful now.' Gosden suggested that Damysus might be more suited to a longer trip and could potentially clash with stablemate Ombudsman at Royal Ascot in June. Morshdi also announced himself as a Derby contender with a victory in the Betway Feilden Stakes, making his first appearance since breaking his duck at York in October. Trained by William Haggas, Morshdi was always traveling strongly and held off the market leader Poseidon's Warrior by a length. Haggas expressed surprise at the win, saying, 'He's a lovely little horse and has always been a bonny horse.' Morshdi was cut to 25-1 from 50-1 for the Betfred Derby, and Haggas is considering a stop-off at Chester en route to a possible appearance in the premier Classic at Epsom on June 6.