Newmarket served up a day of shocks, statements and Classic intrigue on Wednesday as Azleet sprang a huge surprise in the Group Three Nell Gwyn Stakes, while Damysus and Morshdi also advertised their credentials with polished victories in key Pattern contests.
Sent off at 50-1, Azleet delivered one of the most unexpected results in the recent history of the Nell Gwyn Stakes, a recognised spring trial for the 1000 Guineas. The Stuart Williams-trained filly, bred by owner David Noblett and Dullingham Park Stud, overcame a slow start before showing determination in the closing stages to deny American Queen by a neck in the seven-furlong feature.
The daughter of Tasleet was keen through the early part of the race after recovering ground from the stalls, but she travelled strongly into contention and produced a sustained challenge inside the final furlong. When pressure was applied, she responded willingly to get her head in front where it mattered.
Trainer Stuart Williams said the success justified the faith connections had shown in the filly through the winter.
“She’s won a Group Three today so why not go for the Guineas?
“It’s brilliant. We always try to do the best we can with the horses we’ve got. To win here on a day like this, with a horse good enough to do it over this track, is special.”
Williams also revealed considerable work had gone into improving Azleet’s behaviour at the stalls after issues last season.
“There’s been a lot of effort behind the scenes. We’ve practised with her at home, and plenty of people have helped. She had a lot to find on the figures, but we felt there was encouragement from her final run last year.”
The trainer added that operating with a smaller yard made days like this all the more satisfying.
“We’ve got about 50 horses in the yard. We’re not a big stable by Newmarket standards.”
Winning rider Marco Ghiani praised the filly’s attitude and her willingness to battle late on.
“She’s got a nice attitude. She settled fine today and when I asked her to go, she picked up really nicely. She was very game when challenged.”
The performance immediately places Azleet into the wider 1000 Guineas picture, with the Rowley Mile showpiece now firmly on the horizon.
Earlier on the card, Damysus made a striking return to action in the Group Three Earl of Sefton Stakes, quickening clear to beat King’s Gambit by three and three-quarter lengths.
The four-year-old, trained by John and Thady Gosden, travelled smoothly throughout before taking command entering the final furlong. Once asked to lengthen, he did so in decisive fashion, suggesting a productive campaign could lie ahead over a mile and middle distances.
John Gosden said the colt had strengthened with age.
“He’s not a big horse, but he’s more powerful now. The acceleration was more instant and he’s a maturer horse as a four-year-old.
“There are plenty of opportunities for him from a mile to a mile and a quarter.”
The trainer also reflected on last season’s Derby disappointment, when Damysus became unsettled before the start and was sidelined afterwards.
“But he’s come back and is in good order. I couldn’t be more pleased with him.”
Jockey James Doyle echoed that view after a performance full of authority.
“Today he showed he’s got gears. He travelled powerfully and the team have done a brilliant job bringing him on slowly.”
The Listed Feilden Stakes also offered a compelling three-year-old pointer, with Morshdi making a successful reappearance over nine furlongs.
Prominent throughout, the William Haggas-trained colt moved to the front two furlongs from home and stayed on strongly to score by a length from Poseidon’s Warrior.
Morshdi became the latest Feilden winner to generate Classic discussion, with the race having previously launched notable careers on the Rowley Mile.
Haggas admitted the result came as a pleasant surprise.
“He is a lovely little horse. I am surprised he won today, but it was nice he did.
“He’s a bonny horse and all year I’ve been saying Chester. The Dee Stakes was always the race we had in mind, so we’ll see.”
Tom Marquand was taken by the colt’s attitude under pressure.
“He is tough, although not very big. He was always hanging in there for the fight, and I loved how competitive he got.
“He travelled well off a strong pace and had enough kick to put the race to bed.”
With the spring season gathering momentum, Newmarket’s second day card provided no shortage of evidence that several significant names may be about to emerge in the weeks ahead.
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