SACRED teed herself up for a swing at the 1000 Guineas thanks to a fast-finishing win in the Nell Gwyn Stakes.
The William Haggas-trained filly was cut into 14-1 from 50-1 for the opening fillies’ Classic of the season in just two weeks.
Stepping up to seven furlongs for the first time, she travelled sweetly under Ryan Moore on the far rail.
As Moore moved inside to look for room, a gap opened in front and Sacred’s turn of foot swooped her to the front in a race-winning move.
She passed runner-up Saffron Beach and ran out a three-quarter-of-a-length winner, with favourite Love Is You running on into third.
The front trio could be back for a rematch in the big one – the QIPCO 1000 Guineas.
Haggs smiled: “I’ve always maintained she’d stay, and she’s proved that today. She’s got a nice turn of speed and she picked up really well.
“I don’t know the quality of the race – Saffron Beach is an acceptable first-four shout in the Guineas.
“Ryan said that’s her trip, but I think it’s a no-brainer to come back here – there’s only Guineas a year, and we can always drop back down later.
“I don’t think she does much in front, so if you’re brave you can wait longer.
“It’s difficult to know with Ryan, because he doesn’t say much even without a mask – so with one on it is hard to get it!”
Haggas banged in a 139-1 treble on the day as his My Oberon landed the Group 3 Earl Of Sefton Stakes and Mohaafeth came good in the last.
A step up in trip is on the cards for My Oberon after a likely run in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury next month.
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