Nell Gwyn Betting Preview

Wednesday marks the start of Newmarket’s racing season with their two day Craven fixture. Highlight of day one is the Group 3 Nell Gwyn, regarded as a trial for the 1000 Guineas. The last horse to take the race on route to the fillies classic was Speciosa in 2006, could that happen again?

Eleven fillies line up for the 4.10 with Aidan O’Brien saddling the favourite, Sing Softly. Unbeaten in two starts this season; she was impressive when winning a listed race at the Curragh ten days ago. A full sister to the useful American horse India, she looks an out and out miler. Currently 11/4 favourite for the Nell Gwyn, she is 25/1 to give O’Brien a second win in the 1,000 Guineas.

Second in the betting is Clive Brittain’s Elshabakiya at 5/1. Still a maiden after three runs, she was narrowly touched off in a listed event at Lingfield. A 66/1 chance for the Guineas she will have to show improved form to take the race.

The best backed horse of the morning is Geoff Oldroyd’s Ladies Are Forever. Winner of the Redcar Two Year Old Trophy last season, she is an 8/1 chance for the Nell Gwyn, in from 9/1. A sprinter on pedigree, the jury is out whether she will be able to stay the mile effectively, a comment that can be similarly applied to Maqaasid.

According to antepost markets, the bookmakers do not see a Guineas winner coming from the race; it will be interesting if anyone impresses enough to prove them wrong.