ALL THAT’S SACRED
Haggas’ belief in Guineas hope
WILLIAM HAGGAS will put his faith in Sacred’s staying power in the QIPCO 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 2.
Ryan Moore expressed reservations over the daughter of Exceed And Excel’s ability to last home over the Rowley Mile after her victory in the Group Three Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes – run over the track’s final seven furlongs – yesterday. But Haggas will give his filly, who earned a 12-1 quote for the fillies’ Classic with a three-quarter-length margin over Saffron Beach – the layers also shortened favourite Santa Barbara to 7-4 – the chance to prove her stamina.
“Ryan said seven would be her trip, but I think it’s a no-brainer to come here in two weeks’ time,” said Haggas.
“There is one 1,000 Guineas a year and she can always go back to seven.
“She’s got a nice turn of speed and she has picked up well.
“I’ve always thought she would stay and she has proved that today.”
After a debut win at Newmarket last June, four days after the belated start to the 2020 turf campaign, Sacred suffered four defeats in decent Group company.
But her trainer added: “She has grown, and she has got a great temperament.
“Here work has been beautiful his year and she has been consistently good – she relaxes and picks up with anything.
“She has finally won a Group race and now we will try and get a bigger one!”
Ryan Moore will be aboard Oxted in the Group Three bet365 Abernant Stakes at Newmarket today after Cieren Fallon, who partnered the Roger Teal trainee to victory in the Group One July Cup in 2020, stood himself down from the ride yesterday morning.
■ HARRY SKELTON rode a double at Cheltenham aboard Faivoir and Proschema to stretch his lead over National Hunt jockeys’ title rival Brian Hughes, who scored aboard Domaine De L’Isle, to 141-138.