Soliloquy makes big statement for Appleby

SOLILOQUY gave Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby another card to play in the Qipco 1,000 Guineas on May 6 with a decisive victory in the Landwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes. The daughter of Dubawi hit the front over two furlongs out and held off Altyn Orda without jockey William Buick (below) having to get serious. Soliloquy needs supplementing to the 1,000 Guineas, something that will cost owner Sheik Mohammed £30,000 but her emergence has given Appleby options. Appleby also has Group One Prix Marcel Boussac winner Winter Illusion in the race. After Soliloquy’s win, Appleby said: ‘I was confident we were going to be bang there. ‘I see no reason why Soliloquy won’t go on quicker ground. Wild Illusion won the Boussac on soft ground and she has a round action. ‘The priority with her is the English Guineas but if it came up quick, Soliloquy might come into the reckoning.’ Aidan O’Brien, winner of the last two 1,000 Guineas, still has the first three in the 1,000 Guineas betting — Happily (4-1), Clemmie (5-1), and September (6-1), but he has said he is fighting a losing battle getting Cheveley Park Stakes winner Clemmie to the race after she suffered an injury. Richard Hannontrained Anna Nerium is 25-1 for the 1,000 Guineas after she flew home to win the bet365 European Free Handicap by three lengths. Frankie Dettori will ride Sir Michael Stoute-trained Newmarket maiden winner Veracious in the race.