Nannina pleases in racecourse spin

Nannina became the latest early-season Classic candidate to hit the Rowley Mile when stretching her legs in a racecourse gallop at Newmarket.

Ridden by Robert Havlin, the winner of last year’s Fillies’ Mile completed a six-and-a-half-furlong spin behind a lead horse, finishing a cosy half-length up at the finish without ever being asked to extend herself.

But trainer John Gosden has warned that a spell of warm weather is required to bring the filly up to her peak with the recent cold snap having held up the process of bringing his team forward for the new campaign.

After seeing Nannina complete her exertions and consulting with Chris Richardson, racing manager for owners Cheveley Park Stud, Gosden confirmed the filly to be firmly on course for the Stan James 1000 Guineas on May 7.

“I think the weather has unquestionably played its part in forcing so many horses to miss the traditional prep races,” he said.

“The weather seems to have changed in the last few years and autumn goes on forever and it isn’t until December the leaves come off the trees.

“Then you get a fairly mild January and February and suddenly a real cold spell in March which knocks you right back.

“She did like the ground today and it was a nice workout – six and a half furlongs in a cross wind would be as much as you would want to do.

“All she wants now is some warmer weather. A filly like her is crying out for it to bring on her that little bit more.”

Gosden has saddled the winner of the 1000 Guineas once before, when Lahan scored under Richard Hills in 2000.

Nannina is the 5-1 second-favourite with William Hill to repeat the feat.