Qabala cut for 1,000 Guineas

After an astonishing performance in the Nell Gwyn Stakes, Qabala has shot to the head of the ante post betting for the 1,000 Guineas.

Available at 66/1 prior to yesterday’s Nell Gwyn Stakes, Qabala (now best price 6/1) beat stablemate Mot Juste by one and a quarter lengths in a renewal that looked well above average.

http://gty.im/533889256

Roger Varian who targeted this race last year with runner-up Altyn Orda, recorded his first win in the race. The Newmarket handler had a below par 2018 but the yard has kicked off this campaign in excellent form and they’ve enjoyed five winners from their last 22 runners in recent weeks.

Big gamble landed

The market support behind Qabala at Newmarket on Tuesday was most notable, available to back at 9/1 on the morning of the race before going off a 10/3 favourite, with many early morning punters probably put off by stable jockey Andrea Atzeni booked to ride eventual runner-up Mot Juste.

Qabala’s only previous run was a 7f maiden success in September over Tuesday’s course and distance and she’s sure to appreciate the extra furlong of the fillies’ Classic, hitting the line strongly in both of her course wins.

More to come from the filly

Varian commented after the race that he was uncertain about running the filly earlier in the week with the filly yet to come in her coat and that will be music to the ears of punters on at 66/1, with the likelihood she will come on for the run.

The 1,000 Guineas betting market was wide open prior to the run, with it 8/1 the field prior to Tuesday’s trial and while it’s unlikely a tilt at the Epsom Oaks is on the cards if she’s successful given the lack of stamina in her pedigree, she has an exciting campaign ahead at around one mile.

Featured Image Credit: “Newmarket Racecourse aerial” (CC BY 2.0) by John D Fielding