The Group three Nell Gwyn Stakes conjured up a shock winner as the outsider Azleet came home the strongest. The daughter of Tasleet enjoyed a productive two-year-old campaign, culminating with a second in Listed company on the Rowley Mile. Despite her odds, she travelled well in rear under Marco Ghiani, getting up late to defy the well-backed America Queen.
Her 1000 Guineas entry may have appeared hopeful, but connections can now dream of Classic glory. Speaking to the Racing Post, her trainer Stuart Williams said: “We were hopeful coming here as she had been working well. But we didn’t know if she would definitely get the trip as she’s very fast. She was given a special ride by Marco as she was a little keen at halfway but came home strong.
“We’ll roll the dice in the 1,000 Guineas after that and it’s a special time for me to have a first runner in a Newmarket Classic.”
Despite her experience, Azleet had still proved tricky to keep calm in the stalls prior to racing. Williams added: “She’d been a bit tricky in the stalls so we ponied her down. Jake Lansbury was at the start to help as she had been rearing and missing the break. There was a bit of that today but she was good in the finish.”
Her breeder, Mark Tompkins, further added that “We came here thinking if she finished in the first three it would be a dream but to win it is unbelievable. I’m so pleased for myself and my friend David Noblett.”
Runner up to travel for the French 1000 Guineas
The well-backed America Queen ran a super race in second, following on from her close fourth in the Cheveley Park Stakes last season. Her trainer Richard Hughes said: “I felt she stayed seven well as she came back a bit and was up in the van all the way.
“It was a real tough, hard run. She will go to France now. if they go slow, which they normally do, and she gets a good draw, it should suit.
“If there is any chance of this filly getting a mile it will be in France. She’s easy as she relaxes. She has run a blinder and is a pleasure to train. She does nothing flashy but she tries like hell, and you can’t ask for any more.”
On the third, Charlie Appleby said: “We didn’t think she was a Guineas filly which is why we didn’t put her in it. However, she wants a mile and we’ll look at the Michael Seely Stakes at York.”