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Haggas looking to Sea Of Grace to outline Classic credentials in Nell Gwyn

3 minute read

William Haggas is adamant new recruit Sea Of Grace will only come into her own over a longer trip ahead of her return to action at Newmarket on Wednesday.

Trainer - William Haggas
Trainer - William Haggas Picture: Racing and Sports

The chestnut filly won two races, including a Group Three at the Curragh, for former trainer John Oxx but has now been transferred to Haggas' Newmarket yard.

Sea Of Grace tests her Classic credentials in the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes over seven furlongs, but Haggas is already keen to step her up in distance.

He said: "I am excited getting Sea Of Grace on to the track and if she has any pretensions to being a 1000 Guineas candidate, she will need to run a good race.

"I have had her since November and she is in good shape, she's a very straightforward filly.

"She was a Group winner as a two-year-old so her form is fine and I know that she was held in high regard by Mr Oxx.

"It looks to be a strong enough race, as you would hope a proper trial would be, and we should find out if she is a genuine Classic contender.

"I am keen to run her at Newmarket to see how she handles the course, although I am convinced that she will be better at a mile.

"She could stay a bit further, so I have put her in both the Prix de Diane and the Prix Saint-Alary so that we have options over a mile and a quarter."

Pamplemousse made an impressive debut at Chantilly earlier this month and represents French trainer Andre Fabre.

Hugo Lascelles, racing manager for her owner Lady Bamford, said: "She was very good first time out and has come out of the race very well.

" She has travelled down to Newmarket fine but we are very much on a fact-finding mission with her.

"Andre really wants to find out which way to go with her in the long term, but he has been very pleased with her progress."

Andrew Balding is a big fan of Poet's Vanity, who won the Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket last season and holds entries in the English and Irish Guineas.

The Kingsclere handler said: "She's quite a big filly and I think this run will do her the power of good.

"She looks very well and has trained very well, but this is a prep run for what lies ahead later in the season.

"I think she will come on a great deal for it."

Godolphin go to war with Kazimiera, who is expected to enjoy conditions on the Rowley Mile.

Trainer Charlie Appleby told www.godolphin.com: "Kazimiera broke her maiden before finishing fourth in a Listed contest at the Curragh and second to Saeed's (bin Suroor) Really Special at Newmarket in another Listed race over a mile.

"She has wintered well and the quick ground will suit her.

"She has to find something on ratings but I have been pleased with her and hopefully she can put up a decent performance."

Aidan O'Brien sends from Ireland Brave Anna and Roly Poly, the respective first two home in last season's Cheveley Park Stud Stakes at Newmarket.

Hugo Palmer is double-handed with Choumicha and Unforgetable Filly, while Daban (John Gosden), Kilmah (Mark Johnston) and Tallulah Rose (Karl Burke) complete the line-up.


At The Races

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