Nathra can enhance classic claims with Nell Gwyn Stakes success
Published:
David Metcalf | April 12, 2016
Nathra the one to beat in Nell Gwyn
Nathra can enhance her classic claims by making a winning return to action in the Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket today at 16:30 BST.
The John Gosden trained filly scored in good style on debut at Salisbury when Light Music by 1 3/4 lengths, and followed that up with a facile seven length success on soft ground at Newbury.
Nathra was then pitched into Group 1 company on her final start last season and ran a blinder to finish runner-up to Minding in the Fillies’ Mile at this venue.
After being held-up at the rear in a strongly run race, Nathra made good headway a furlong from home and stayed well to be beaten 4 1/2 lengths.
Although no match for the easy winner, it was a very solid effort by the the daughter of Iffraaj and one which suggested she needed keeping firmly onside.
Nothing to fear from Coolmore
The pair also pulled 2 1/4 lengths clear of the third home, and Nathra has nothing to fear from Coolmore who finished fourth and re-opposes in this.
Nathra also looks a scopey type who should have bags more to offer as a three-year-old, and underfoot conditions will hold no fears.
She is currently 16/1 with Coral for the 1,000 Guineas on May 1st, and that could look decent each-way value should she come through this test with flying colours.
First Victory feared most
First Victory, who is also a 16/1 shot in the ante post betting for the 1,000 Guineas, looks the obvious danger.
The Saeed Bin Suroor trained filly was unbeaten in two runs over course and distance as a juvenile, and looked a very smart prospect in the second of those when beating Alamode in the Group 3 Oh So Sharp Stakes.
First Victory made virtually all of the running, and despite still looking green when edging right entering the final furlong kept on strongly to score with more in hand than the length winning margin suggests.
It was a most taking performance, and the beautifully bred daughter of Teofilio is unlikely to give up her unbeaten record without a fight.
Related
Coral’s top tip: Nathra has top class Group 1 form to her name and rates a solid bet to land the spoils now eased in grade.
