Fab four for Gosden
John Gosden sent out a dazzling 1785-1 four-timer on the opening day of the season at Newmarket, topped by Infallible’s smooth success in the Leslie Harrison Memorial Nell Gwyn Stakes.
Owned by Cheveley Park Stud, who were responsible for the 1000 Guineas winner of five years ago in Russian Rhythm, the filly is the new 3-1 favourite with Coral for the May 4 Classic.
Guineas sponsors Stan James and Ladbrokes offer 5-1, while totesport make her the 4-1 co-favourite from 16s alongside French raider Natagora and John Dunlop’s Muthabara.
After being slowly away, the 7-2 favourite was settled stone last by Jimmy Fortune before smoothly tracking past rivals to ease away in the final two furlongs and secure the Group Three prize by three and a half lengths.
Gosden said: “She’s a fine filly, but she’ll have to be damn good to beat the grey French filly (Natagora), who won a little race here called the Cheveley Park.”
Gosden saddled another Classic contender later in the afternoon as 2000 Guineas entry and 11-10 favourite Virtual got off the mark in the Alex Scott Maiden Stakes.
Gosden added: “I think that was a decent maiden. He is in the Guineas and we will take our time and think about it.
“He’s also in the Derby which shows I think he will get further.”
William Hill quote Virtual – who is also is owned by Cheveley Park – at 40-1 for the 2000 Guineas.
Gosden’s winning streak was initiated as 20-1 chance Pampas Cat romped to victory in the Federation Of Bloodstock Agents Maiden Stakes, while Prohibit (8-1) completed the full set in the Voute Sales Stakes.
Hughie Morrison is set to saddle his first Classic runner in the shape of Stimulation after the colt booked his ticket to the 2000 Guineas with victory in the Making Better Betting European Free Handicap.
Steve Drowne’s mount joined Fat Boy right on the line, forcing the judge to call a photo-finish, which saw the 15-8 favourite shade the advantage by a nose.
Morrison said of the colt, who is 25-1 with Stan James for the Guineas: “He is so laid-back but is a star and now he has won a trial we will have to look at the Guineas.
“A fast-run mile should suit him better than a slow-run seven furlongs and it may be he wants even further in time.”
Henry Cecil’s first runner of the year on the Rowley Mile was narrowly touched off as his Vodafone Derby entry Kandahar Run (5-4 favourite) lost out by half a length to Campanologist in the Tuddenham Mill Feilden Stakes.
Cecil said: “He’ll come on for that and we’ll have to see what we do, but I wouldn’t want to go much further than 10 furlongs at the moment.”
Michael Bell’s Art Connoisseur maintained his unbeaten record when scooting clear as 11-10 favourite in the Call Geoff Huffer Racing On 0871 2464925 Conditions Stakes.
Bell said: “He is a very exciting horse to have around and he looked like a Norfolk horse there, so it’s Royal Ascot here we come.”
