Speciosa strays but wins the Nell Gwyn

Dubai: Speciosa produced an awkward run, but still did what was required to win the Shadwell Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket yesterday.

The Group 3 race, which was the highlight of the second day of the Craven Meeting, is a recognised trial for the English 1000 Guineas on May 7.

Speciosa's performance might not have impressed many but she will nevertheless take her chance in the season's first English classic.

The daughter of Danehill Dance broke well and was soon dictating terms at the head of the nine-runner field.

But when jockey Michael Fenton asked her for more at the two furlong pole she began to veer to the left and drifted diagonally to the far left of the track.

But despite losing considerable ground she still had enough in her tank to hold on for a one-length victory over Spinning Queen, with Salut D'Amour, three quarters of a length back in third.

Speciosa is owned jointly by trainer Pam Sly who bought her at the Doncaster Breeze-Up sales for 30,000 guineas.

"I'm delighted because she is just not fit and I really think she will improve," Sly said.

"I think we'll be coming back here for the Guineas rather than going to France as my French isn't very good. My Irish isn't much better but we might go there after Newmarket."

Results

Shadwell Nell Gwyn Stakes (Group 3) (3yo Fillies) 7f:
1. Speciosa (trained by Mrs P Sly) ridden by M Fenton; 2. Spinning Queen (B W Hills) M Hills; 3. Salut D´Amour (J Noseda) K Fallon.
Distances: 1 length, 3/4.
Time: 1min 23.45s