Classic contenders shine at Newmarket and Newbury

Osaila on her way to victory in the Nell Gwyn. Image copyright of Laurence Squire. 

Kool Kompany, Osaila, Restart and Muhaarar demonstrated their Classic potential by winning the leading trials at Newbury and Newmarket over the last week.

All four are likely to contest either the QIPCO 2000 Guineas or QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket next month to maintain their winning streak.  

Trainer Richard Hannon, who won both the Nell Gwyn and Craven Stakes with his charges, seemingly has a strong hand for both British Classics on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile this year, as stable stars Ivawood, Estidhkaar and Tiggy Wiggy all placed at Newbury after Kool Kompany and Osaila’s victories.

At Newbury, Greenham Stakes success went the way of Muhaarar under Frankie Dettori, whose burst of speed in the closing stages saw off the impressive front-running performance of Estidhkaar.

The Charlie Hills-trained star, who broke the course record, could feature next at Newmarket, as could Estidhkaar.

Also at the West Berkshire track, Ralph Beckett, a two-time Oaks winner, registered more triumph in the Fred Darling Stakes as Redstart made all to win the competitive contest.

Redstart held off a tenacious effort from John Gosden’s Jellicle Ball, as well as Tiggy Wiggy, to win – with all three looking like promising fillies for the rest of the season.

Earlier in the week, Group 1-winning juvenile Kool Kompany repelled his rivals to win the Craven Stakes in stylish fashion.

The front-running victory followed the eye-catching performance of Osaila in the Nell Gwyn. The three-year-old filly has been compared favourably with 2012 QIPCO 1000 Guineas heroine Sky Lantern.

With prominent market contender Faydhan putting in a disappointing effort in the European Free Handicap, despite not coming out of his horsebox last week, ante post favourite Gleneagles has shortened into 2/1 favouritism for the QIPCO British Champions Series opener on Saturday 2 May.