Timeform Daily: Nell Gwyn, Wednesday, Newmarket 16:10

Race of the Day
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Timeform /
12 April 2011 /
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Will the Nell Gwyn winner line-up for the 1000 Guineas in May?

“Maqaasid looks sure to give it a bold go under her penalty but she has very little in hand of Elshabakiya .”

The Nell Gwyn is a recognised trial for the 1000 Guineas but will this year’s renewal throw up any Classic Clues?…

Maqaasid won the Queen Mary in taking style at Royal Ascot last year but chased Hooray’s shadow twice subsequently, albeit set too much to do in Cheveley Park on final start. Bred to stay and is a leading player.

Barefoot Lady won a maiden at Beverley and a Doncaster minor event before being placed in a Group 3 at Ayr and listed race at York on her last 2 starts. She will be well suited by this step up in trip and doesn’t have too much to find.

Crying Lightning was second in the Sweet Solera on the July course here as a 2-y-o and belatedly got back to winning ways in minor event at Meydan last time. However, she is exposed and it’d be a surprise if she proves up to winning this.

Elshabakiya was second in 7f AW listed race behind Dubawi Gold on her comeback. That form is not far off what’s required here and as she’ll improve again, she’s respected for all 1000 Guineas entry might just be beyond her.

Ladies Are Forever was a smart sprinting 2-y-o, finishing an excellent third to Maqaasid in the Queen Mary on her second start, before overcoming a long absence to win a listed race at Redcar. She has the scope to do better and holds a Guineas entry.

Lily Again‘s best effort was when winning a 7f listed race at Sandown last July but was kept at arm’s length in better company after, running poorly in blinkers on final start, and will need to have improved plenty.

Quschiis out of a half-sister to top miler Grand Lodge and looked potentially useful herself when winning a maiden over CD last autumn. She has a lot to find on the bare form but is entered in Guineas/Oaks and can improve.

Show Rainbow was runner-up in 7f maidens last autumn before making all in similar event over 6f in the mud at Leicester. Guineas/Oaks entries look plenty optimistic right now though.

Sing Softly left her juvenile form well behind this year, winning a 6f maiden and a 7f listed contest at the Curragh, running on strongly. She has a Guineas entry and fitness on her side but the quicker ground is a worry.

Strictly Pink has been successful this year in a maiden at Wolverhampton and a handicap at Pontefract but took latter off a mark of just 75 and it’s hard to think she won’t be outclassed here despite her Guineas entry.

Sweet Cecily won twice here last year with an autumn listed success the highlight but was well held in the Cheveley Park on her penultimate run and easy enough to look elsewhere now trying 7f despite Guineas entry.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Elshabakiya
2. Sing Softly
3. Maqaasid

Timeform’s View: Not much between the best of these. Maqaasid looks sure to give it a bold go under her penalty but she has very little in hand of Elshabakiya on their meeting last year, and Clive Brittain’s filly looked much improved on her return at Lingfield. Irish-raider Sing Softly should also go well for all faster ground has to be a concern.

Timeform Daily: Tuesday, Southwell 16:10

A field are eight are set to go to post for today’s Race of the Day at Southwell……

Timeform Daily: Monday, Hexham 16:00

A field of eight go to post for this 21-furlong handicap hurdle……

Timeform Daily: Sunday, Ascot 16:20

Timeform run the rule over this veterans’ chase……