Re Havant .. I got the impression Stoute would like to aim her at the Guineas first up next season. He seemed quite keen to do so in his post-race interview.

I think there is a chance Hurricane Havoc who runs today could be interesting for the Guineas. She already holds an entry for the Irish 1000 and Oaks. I guess she may want further in time since she is running over a mile today but she looks to have some class about her. I've backed her at fancy prices for the Guineas but it's speculative.

Majestic Dubawi should be lining up in the Rockfel next week and she is following a similar route now as a 2yo to Channon's Music Show.. Who in my humble opnion should have won this years race without the draw bias. She is of real interest to me for next years race at a big price.

keep an eye on Zoowraa today, very impressive last time. cheers.

Short profiles of the top-rated fillies (based on Racing Post Rating and/or Official Rating) and end of season report (looking ahead to the Guineas):

HOORAY  -1836111  (RPR 117, OR 116)  Sir M.Prescott
Very progressive and top-class filly, finished her season with a convincing 4½l win in Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes (made all, stayed on strongly).  On breeding she is far from certain to stay a mile (being by the sprinter Invincible Spirit out of Hypnotize, a dual 7f-winning half-sister to Dazzle) and the trainer feels she may not improve from two to three.  Nevertheless, she has rock-solid top-class 6f form and does not need to improve on her Cheveley Park form to win an average Guineas, so she has to be on the shortlist (despite the stamina doubts).

MISTY FOR ME  -01211  (RPR 114)  A.P.O’Brien
Progressive, smart filly, goes on any ground, stays a mile very well.  Improved past previous conqueror Laughing Lashes to lift Gr.1 Moyglare Stud Stakes over 7f before going on to win Gr.1 Prix Marcel Boussac from Helleborine (the pair clear).  Although she’s by Galileo there is plenty of speed on the dam’s side of the family (the dam is a half-sister by Storm Cat to Fasliyev) and she is likely to be well suited by a mile to 10f next year.  Obvious contender for the Guineas.

HELLEBORINE  -1112  (RPR 112)  Mrs C.Head-Maarek
Progressive, smart filly, high cruising speed, stays a mile.  Showed a good turn of foot to challenge for the lead in Gr.1 Prix Marcel Boussac, outstayed by the winner.  Should do better on quicker ground and has prospects of reversing the form with Misty For Me.  Obvious contender for the Guineas (trainer has a great record in the race).

WHITE MOONSTONE  -1111  (RPR 112, OR 110)  Saeed Bin Suroor
Progressive, smart filly, stays a mile.  Impressive winner of Gr.2 May Hill Stakes (travelled powerfully on good ground), less impressive when winning Gr.1 Fillies’ Mile at Ascot (won a shade cleverly on good to soft ground).  Probably best on good or faster ground.  Obvious contender for the Guineas (but trainer has poor recent record at getting horses ready for early-season classics).

MEMORY  -1116  (RPR 111, OR 111)  R.Hannon
Smart 6f filly (unbeaten in three starts over that trip), showed impressive acceleration to win Gr.2 Cherry Hinton Stakes on third start.  Disappointed on final start over 7f in Gr.1 Moyglare Stud Stakes (badly drawn, held up, never travelling).  Prior to her Curragh defeat she had looked a very smart filly and she should stay at least 7f (being by Danehill Dancer out of a winning miler).  Must be given another chance to amend for her Moyglare performance, but clearly has something to prove now.

TOGETHER  -31134235  (RPR 111, OR 108)  A.P.O’Brien
Progressive, smart filly in first half of summer (winning Gr.3 Silver Flash Stakes from Laughing Lashes and Kissable), but beaten five times since, twice showing a marked tendency to hang/veer left.  Held on recent form by the likes of Misty For Me, White Moonstone, Laughing Lashes and Kissable.  Unlikely (on breeding) to have the speed to be a player in the Guineas and likely to be better suited by middle distances.

LAUGHING LASHES  -2212  (RPR 110, OR 111)  Mrs J.Harrington
Smart 7f filly, progressed past Together (who had beaten her in a Gr.3 race) to lift Gr.2 Debutante Stakes (quickened well in last 100 yards), beating subsequent dual Gr.1 winner Misty For Me.  Finished runner-up to Misty For Me in Gr.1 Moyglare Stud Stakes on final start (every chance, unable to peg back winner).  Should stay a mile and may have a preference for yielding ground.  Has something to find on the Moyglare form but is a progressive filly and could develop into a leading player if continuing to progress over the winter.

KISSABLE  -2133  (RPR 109, OR 110)  K.Prendergast
Very useful filly, performed well in top company over 7f but shaping as though a longer trip will suit (her full brother Kingdom Of Munster seems to stay 14f, her dam is sister to Leger winner Brian Boru out of a Park Hill winner).  Held by Misty For Me and Laughing Lashes on 7f form and likely to struggle to beat the best over a mile next year unless making above average improvement over the winter. 

THEYSKENS’ THEORY  -91136  (RPR 109, OR 107)  B.J.Meehan
Looked a filly of considerable potential when making all to win her maiden and then the Gr.3 Prestige Stakes (the placed fillies subsequently filled the first two places in Gr.2 Rockfel Stakes).  Ran a solid race behind White Moonstone and Together in Gr.1 Fillies’ Mile (not beaten far) and may be capable of further improvement on a faster surface.  Failed to handle the dirt/track in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and is reportedly coming back to the UK for a spring/summer campaign before returning to the US in the autumn.  Needs to improve, but has the scope to progress through the winter.

MARGOT DID  -1122235  (RPR 108, OR 108)  M.L.W.Bell
Very useful 6f filly, narrowly beaten in Gr.3 Albany Stakes, Gr.3 Princess Margaret Stakes, Gr.2 Lowther Stakes and Listed Dick Poole Stakes (at times looking a trifle unlucky in running).  Well beaten behind Hooray in Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes on final start (first attempt on yielding ground, took keen hold).  A strong traveller, she shapes as though she won’t get much further than 6f (she is by the sprinter Exceed And Excel), but the dam was a middle distance performer and the trainer is hopeful she will get 7f+.  Needs to improve for a step up in trip and looks an unlikely Guineas contender.

MOONLIGHT CLOUD  -114  (RPR 107)  F.Head
Very highly regarded filly (trainer rates her as the best juvenile he has trained), impressive winner of first two starts over 7f and was sent off favourite for Gr.1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere where she finished fourth (travelled well, not given a hard race).  Bred to get at least a mile on the dam’s side of the pedigree (the dam won over a mile and has already produced winners over 10-14f), but her sire Invincible Spirit is an influence for speed.  Yet to race on a fast surface and could develop into a genuine Guineas contender.

PONTENUOVO  -2135  (RPR 107)  Y.De Nicolay
Highly regarded filly, runner-up to Helleborine on debut before comfortably winning Gr.3 Prix de Cabourg, and then finishing good third to Dream Ahead in Gr.1 Prix Morny (quickened into lead 1½f out, kept on well, lost second close home).  Had been intended runner in Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes but instead ran in Gr.3 Prix Thomas Bryon over a mile on heavy ground (finished last of five).  Clearly well below her best on final start and worth another chance, but breeding suggests she is likely to struggle to get a mile (she is by Green Tune out of the smart sprinter Porlezza).

MAQAASID  -1143  (RPR 107, OR 105)  J.H.M.Gosden
Smart 5f filly in first half of season, winning Gr.2 Queen Mary Stakes narrowly but impressively (held up, not clear run, ran on well to lead inside final furlong).  Failed to progress when stepped up to 6f in Gr.2 Lowther Stakes (bumped and set alight early on, failed to last home) and Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes (given plenty to do, kept on to take third, probably not suited by yielding ground).  Likely to be aimed at a Guineas trial but on breeding (by Green Desert) is a doubtful stayer and has plenty to find on the Lowther and Cheveley Park runs.

SORAAYA  -1218  (RPR 106, OR 106)  M.R.Channon
Very useful and progressive 6f filly in the summer, runner-up to Memory in Gr.2 Cherry Hinton Stakes and winner of Gr.3 Princess Margaret Stakes (held up, ran on well to lead near finish).  Disappointed on final start in Gr.1 Prix Morny (never landed a blow, eased when beaten) and now has something to prove.  Speedily bred (by Elnadim) and unlikely to stay a mile.

KATLA  -3212513  (RPR 106)  J.F.Grogan
Owes her high rating to an impressive six-length win in Listed Rockingham Stakes at York (revelled in the soft ground), but on the balance of her form is nowhere near good enough to make an impact in the Guineas and is a very doubtful stayer (she was well beaten on her only start over 7f and is by the sprinter Majestic Missile).

DINGLE VIEW  -41131316  (RPR 106, OR 107)  P.D.Evans
Owes her high rating to her shock win in Gr.3 Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh, but was unplaced next time in the Listed Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar and on the balance of her form is nowhere near good enough to make a Guineas filly and is a very doubtful stayer (likes to force the pace and is sprint-bred).

MEOW  -21210  (RPR 106)  D.Wachman
Very speedy filly, yet to race beyond 5f (best performance when close second in Gr.2 Queen Mary Stakes).  Very unlikely to get further than 5-6f (her dam Airwave did win over a mile after being transferred to Ballydoyle but was best at 5-6f).  Very unlikely to be aimed at the Guineas.

RAINBOW SPRINGS  -23  (RPR 105)  J.H.M.Gosden
Very promising maiden: beaten out of sight by Frankel on debut (no disgrace), much better effort when third in Gr.1 Prix Marcel Boussac on next start (outpaced by front two, ran on to take third close home).  Well suited by soft ground (like her sire Selkirk) and trainer thinks she will be a 10f filly next year.  Hard to see her reversing form with either Misty For Me or Helleborine over a mile.

ELECTRIC WAVES  -4211171  (RPR 105, OR 106)  E.S.McMahon
Very useful and game 5f sprinter, won Gr.3 Cornwallis Stakes on final start (showed plenty of speed, stayed on strongly).  Should get 6f but unlikely to get further (she’s by Exceed And Excel).

LADIES ARE FOREVER  -131  (RPR 105, OR 103)  G.R.Oldroyd
Owes her high rating to a close third in the Gr.2 Queen Mary Stakes and took advantage of a feather weight to land Listed Two-Year-Old Trophy on final start.  Sprint bred (by Monsieur Bond, dam unraced by Danetime).  Should get 6f but not a mile.

CAPE DOLLAR  -3131  (RPR 104, OR 105)  Sir M.Stoute
Very useful and progressive filly, won her maiden readily (on good to firm) and may not have been suited by soft ground and moderate pace when respectable third next time in Gr.3 Prestige Stakes (raced keenly).  Improved on final start to take Gr.2 Rockfel Stakes narrowly (under pressure some way out, stayed on, always just doing enough).  It would be unwise to dismiss the Rockfel form (there was a similarly close three-way finish the previous year when Music Show prevailed) and her breeding suggests that she is probably capable of improving further when returning to quick ground.  Probably the trainer’s second string for the Guineas (behind Havant) but a live outsider.

CHRYSANTHEMUM  -11  (RPR 104)  D.Wachman
Very useful and unbeaten filly, put up smart performance to win Listed race over a mile on debut (came from well off the pace, ran on well, won decisively).  Dropped back to 7f, won Gr.3 C.L.Weld Park Stakes narrowly in three-way photo-finish (held up, challenged inside last, stayed on to lead close home).  Acts very well on soft ground (yet to race on a fast surface) and shapes as though she will get further than a mile (her dam stayed middle distances).  She may not have enough speed to make an impact in top company over a mile on fast ground, but she remains an exciting prospect.

WILD WIND  -21528  (RPR 104)  A.P.O’Brien
Progressed nicely in her first four races, including a close second in Gr.3 C.L.Weld Park Stakes, but disappointed on final start when dropped back to 6f in Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes (struggling under pressure well over 2f out, well beaten).  Should stay a mile but on the balance of her form does not look good enough to make her presence felt in the Guineas.

HAVANT  -11  (RPR 103, OR 105)  Sir M.Stoute
Exciting prospect, unbeaten in two starts.  Clear-cut debut winner on soft ground at Newmarket (stayed on strongly, won easily in a very slow time), followed by impressive win in Gr.3 Oh So Sharp Stakes on yielding ground (dwelt, travelled strongly, progress to lead over a furlong out, stayed on strongly).  Her pedigree (she’s by Halling out of a mare who was placed over 12f and has produced several 12-14f winners) strongly suggests that she will be well suited by middle distances, and she is yet to race on a fast surface (she showed a notable knee-action in the Rockfel), so it remains to be seen whether she will prove as effective over a mile on fast ground next year. 

COCHABAMBA  -12262  (RPR 103, OR 104)  R.A.Teal
Very useful and progressive filly, performed well in top 7f contests without being quite good enough to win any of them.  One inexplicably poor effort (behind Havant in Gr.3 Oh So Sharp Stakes) must be ignored, as she clearly didn’t give her running.  Best effort to date on final start in Gr.2 Rockfel Stakes (held up, picked up well to get into contention, kept on) and has prospects of developing into a smart three-year-old.  On breeding and style of racing looks certain to stay at least a mile to 10f.

GALIKOVA  -15  (RPR 103)  F.Head
Very promising filly, half-sister to the brilliant Goldikova.  Took traditionally very informative newcomers’ race (Prix de la Cascade) impressively on debut before running respectably in Gr.1 Prix Marcel Boussac, running on from a long way back without ever getting into contention (not knocked about).  There is much better to come and she looks as though she will appreciate at least 10f next year (she is by Galileo and several of her siblings stayed 9f+).

RIMTH  -13272  (RPR 103, OR 105)  P.F.I.Cole
Very useful 6f filly, best effort on latest start when runner-up in Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes.  Needs to improve at least 10lbs on that form to win the Guineas.  She is speedily bred, shows plenty of pace in her races and is a doubtful stayer.

BIBLE BELT  -413  (RPR 103)  Mrs J.Harrington
Very useful and progressive filly, acts on soft/heavy ground, full sister to multiple 10-11f winner Bob Le Beau.  Ran well on final start in Gr.3 C.L.Weld Park Stakes (challenged to lead inside final furlong, kept on when headed, beaten in three-way photo finish).  Likely to stay further than a mile.

I LOVE ME  -153  (RPR 102, OR 103)  A.M.Balding
Very useful and progressive 7f filly, pulled off shock debut win in valuable sales race at Newmarket, showing plenty of pace.  Not beaten far in similar but more competitive event on second start (badly drawn) before finishing close third in Gr.2 Rockfel Stakes on final start (led entering final quarter mile, edged left and right under pressure, headed inside final furlong, kept on).  Likely to be well suited by a mile and quicker ground than she encountered in the Rockfel, she could yet develop into a Guineas contender.

KHOR SHEED  -21310  (RPR 102, OR 104)  L.M.Cumani
Showed promise to win Listed 6f race on second start, shaping as though a step up to 7f would suit, but seemed not to last home over longer trip in Gr.3 Sweet Solera Stakes next time (possibly unsuited by modest pace and yielding ground).  Returned to form when winning valuable sales race over 6f on good ground (idled in front), but well below form on final start in Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes (beaten a long way out, probably unsuited by soft ground).  On breeding she should get a mile (half-sister to smart 9-10f winner Prince Kirk) and is open to further improvement on good or faster ground, but she will probably be kept to 6f.

CRYING LIGHTENING  -16324  (RPR 102, OR 104)  P.W.Chapple-Hyam
Very useful 7f filly, best effort when runner-up to smart White Moonstone in Gr.3 Sweet Solera Stakes.  Disappointed when odds-on favourite for Gr.3 Prix du Calvados (every chance, stayed on).  She has had her limitations exposed in Listed and Gr.3 company and does not look good enough to challenge for the Guineas.

ZOOWRAA  -11  (RPR 101, OR 103)  M.A.Jarvis
Very promising and unbeaten filly, won her maiden impressively, showing a high cruising speed and smart turn of foot, and followed up in Listed Radley Stakes (quickened up well to go clear in final furlong, slow winning time).  She has raced only on yielding ground so far and is not terribly big, so will need to winter well to progress.

MAJESTIC DUBAWI  -711  (RPR 101, OR 100)  M.R.Channon
Very useful and progressive filly, sprang a surprise to win Gr.3 Firth of Clyde Stakes on final start, showing plenty of pace and a good attitude (led 2f out, stayed on well).  Her pedigree suggests she should stay further (she’s by Dubawi out of a dam by Singspiel).  She will need to improve further if she is to develop into a classic filly, but she could be an interesting contender for one of the Guineas trials in the spring.

BREVITY  -411  (RPR 101, OR 104)  B.J.Meehan
Very promising and progressive 6f filly, beat the very useful pair Rimth and Margot Did in an above-average renewal of Listed Dick Poole Stakes on final start (tracked leaders, ran on under pressure to assert close home).  She is quite likely to stay 7f but there is plenty of speed in the pedigree and a mile may be too far for her.

There are some key trends to bear in mind when looking for a 1000 Guineas winner.  Significantly, 26 of the last 29 winners of the race had their final juvenile start in a race that now carries Gr.1 or Gr.2 status (the three exceptions being Ghanaati, who won a maiden very easily on her second start, Kazzia, who won the Gr.3 Premio Dormello, and Virginia Waters, second in the Listed Flame Of Tara Stakes).  Secondly, no filly has been beaten by more than 5½ lengths on their final start as a two-year-old and gone on to land the Guineas (in the last 29 years).  Finally, 27 of the last 29 Guineas winners achieved a Racing Post Rating (RPR) of at least 100 in their two-year-old season (the two exceptions being, once again, Ghanaati RPR 87+ and Virginia Waters RPR 98).

Most of the fillies rated 101 (RPR) or above (with the exception of some foreign-trained fillies listed below) are profiled above.  The following fillies rated 98-101 (RPR) have all had their limitations seemingly exposed or are not considered Guineas contenders for other reasons:

Singapore Lilly (101) won a Listed race at Haydock and ran well in defeat in a Gr.1 in Italy, but was a well beaten third in an Italian Gr.3 on final start and looks exposed.  Ladie’s Choice (101) was a close second to Meow in a Listed race but was well beaten subsequently and is a sprinter (by Choisir).  Quiet Oasis (100) was well beaten in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf on her final start but had previously run well in a Gr.3 at the Curragh.  Blue Bunting (99) stayed on well to land the Listed Montrose Stakes over a mile, but as a half-sister to a winner over 2m+ she will surely start off over middle distances next year.  Seeharn (99) won her first two starts over 6f in the first half of the summer but came unstuck when upped in class and distance in the Gr.2 Debutante Stakes on yielding ground (she’s by Pivotal and trainer reckons she wants cut in the ground).  Radharcnafarraige (99) looked good when winning a Gr.3 at Naas in June but was twice put in her place by Memory subsequently and is probably a sprinter.  Fork Handles (98) was well beaten in Gr.1 Fillies’ Mile on final start and has been beaten in all four attempts in pattern company.  Ragsah (98), a half-sister to Dubai Millennium, progressed nicely in her first five races, including a close second in Gr.3 Firth of Clyde Stakes (looked a shade unlucky), ran quite well next time in Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes (held up well off the pace, stayed on under pressure), but disappointed on final start in the Listed Bosra Sham Stakes.  Perfect Tribute (98) ran well to be third in Gr.3 Princess Margaret Stakes but ran below that form in Gr.2 Lowther Stakes next time.  Lily Again (98) took the Listed Star Stakes in July but failed to progress in four subsequent starts.

The following fillies (rated 98+) trained in France, Italy and Germany can be ruled out with some degree of confidence, as they are very unlikely to be aimed at the Guineas:

Espirita (E.Lellouche) 106; Mambia (J.Boisnard) 105; Keratiya (J-C.Rouget) 105; Chinese Wall (D.Guillemin) 104; Wizz Kid (R.Collet) 104; Adamantina (V.Caruso) 103; Djumama (A.Lowe) 102; Split Trois (Y.De Nicolay) 101; Danedream (P.Schiergen) 101; Miss Fifty (U.Suter) 101; Miss Liberty (Mme P.Brandt) 101; Va (J-C.Rouget) 100; Doo Lang (J-C.Rouget) 100; Aigrette Garzette (P.Schiergen) 100; Stay Alive (B.Grizzetti) 100; Private Eye (E.Libaud) 100; Kagura (G.Henrot) 100; Torentosa (A de Royer Dupre) 99; Bezique (M.Gasparini) 99; Footsteppy (S.Wattel) 99; Lone Cat (Y.De Nicolay) 99; Good Karma (S.Botti) 98

Hooray’s win in the Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes (one of the best Guineas trial races) represents arguably the best form but she is very speedy, has yet to tackle further than 6f, and her trainer has expressed doubts about her training on from two to three.  It’s hard to see any of the fillies beaten by Hooray at Newmarket making an impact in the Guineas.

There is not a lot to choose between the other highly-rated fillies and the open nature of next year’s Guineas is reflected in the betting, which inevitably focuses on White Moonstone, Misty For Me, Helleborine, Havant, Memory and Hooray.
 
Some people (including scepticalpunter: see http://www.scepticalpunter.com/?p=996) are unconvinced about the level of the Prix Marcel Boussac form, but I think it’s well up to scratch.  The winner Misty For Me had already won the Gr.1 Moyglare Stud Stakes (the best Irish form on offer), and the highly regarded runner-up Helleborine had won her three previous starts and had looked very impressive in Listed and Gr.3 company.  The first two pulled three lengths clear of the unexposed Rainbow Springs (hammered by Frankel first time out, but clearly well regarded), the very useful and progressive Mambia (winner of four races, including the Gr.3 Prix du Calvados), and the highly regarded Galikova (winner of her only previous start).  Back in sixth was the very useful German filly Danedream, who had been demoted from first place after beating subsequent Gr.3 winner Klammer at Deauville.  Danedream was beaten next time in a Gr.3 at Baden-Baden (24 Oct) on heavy ground, but she probably wasn’t suited by the way the race was run (failed to settle, shaken up when leaders quickened tempo in straight, finished fast but couldn’t reach front pair).  Back in seventh place in the Boussac was Miss Fifty, who had previously shown good acceleration when runner-up to Mambia in the Gr.3 Prix du Calvados.  Overall, it looked a strong renewal of the Boussac and the first two are clearly very smart fillies.

This year’s renewal of the Fillies’ Mile did not work out too well, with the runner-up Together and third Theyskens’ Theory both failing to shine subsequently in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies races (and Together throwing away her chance in a big sales race at Newmarket by veering badly left).  The winner White Moonstone is much better judged on her impressive win at Doncaster in the Gr.2 May Hill Stakes.  Admittedly she had a straightforward task there and she only beat the placed fillies by the same margin she’d beaten them by previously in the Gr.3 Sweet Solera Stakes, but the style of victory was visually very impressive and she clearly possesses a potent turn of foot.  The bare form isn’t too bad either: the running of Lily Again (beaten 6½ lengths in fifth) puts the winner on a par with the Debutante Stakes winner Laughing Lashes, but it’s fair to say that White Moonstone could have won by another few lengths.  Theyskens’ Theory looked to have White Moonstone in a little bit of trouble when she kicked on in the straight at Ascot and Brian Meehan’s filly could yet develop into a Guineas contender back on a faster surface.

Memory was a deeply impressive winner of the Gr.2 Cherry Hinton Stakes, showing a smart turn of foot to outclass Soraaya and Hooray among others.  She was very highly regarded by the Hannon yard during the summer and she can’t be ruled out of the Guineas picture with any degree of confidence, despite her disappointing performance in the Gr.1 Moyglare Stud Stakes.  But others make more appeal at this stage.

There’s not a lot to choose between the other top Irish fillies (Together, Laughing Lashes and Kissable) on form, but of that trio Laughing Lashes makes the most appeal as a potential Guineas filly.  However, she may prove best with some cut in the ground and may therefore be prepared with the Irish Guineas in mind.  Together and Kissable are likely to want further than a mile to be seen to best effect.

Moonlight Cloud wasn’t given a hard race in the Gr.1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and remains an exciting prospect.  It’s anyone’s guess whether she will come over for the Guineas, however, and she may prove best at distances short of a mile.  Her stablemate Galikova is well held by Misty For Me and Helleborine on the Boussac form and is likely to need further than a mile.

This year’s Gr.2 Rockfel Stakes result barely caused a ripple in the Guineas betting, but it would be unwise to dismiss the form altogether, since the Rockfel has produced a number of Guineas winners in recent years.  The winner Cape Dollar and the placed fillies are all progressive types that could yet develop into Guineas contenders.

Pontenuovo, Maqaasid, Margot Did and Soraaya all showed smart form over sprint distances but were all well beaten on their final start and are doubtful stayers.

Of the Gr.3 winners, Chrysanthemum is a very useful prospect but she doesn’t strike me as a likely Guineas sort.  Havant is much more interesting: on breeding you’d have to think that she will be well suited by middle distances at three, yet she showed a good turn of foot to win the Gr.3 Oh So Sharp Stakes over 7f and clearly handles the Rowley Mile course.  Despite her pedigree, she reportedly has a better ‘kick’ than stablemate Cape Dollar and rates a genuine contender for all the major fillies’ races next year.  She is relatively inexperienced for a Guineas filly, however, and others make more appeal at this stage.  Zoowraa made a big impression in her two races, but I simply can’t see a Radley Stakes winner ever winning the Guineas and she doesn’t appeal at current odds.

With doubts surrounding this year’s top juvenile filly (Hooray), I think we need to focus on the other Gr.1 races (Prix Marcel Boussac, Fillies’ Mile and Moyglare Stud Stakes).  I was slightly disappointed with White Moonstone’s performance in the Fillies’ Mile, even allowing for the fact that she is probably better suited by faster ground (she had been more impressive when landing the May Hill Stakes).  Misty For Me is a very smart filly, but I get the impression that Helleborine could reverse the Boussac form on a faster surface: she showed an impressive turn of foot to get upsides Misty For Me and was just outstayed by the winner.  I picked out Helleborine as a potential Guineas filly at the beginning of August and I won’t desert her now.

great write-up jamesp.

Cape Dollar is the first foal of an unraced mare, which makes it hard to predict her distance requirements with any degree of certainty.  The dam Green Dollar is by Kingmambo out of Strawberry Roan.  Strawberry Roan (by Sadler's Wells out of Doff The Derby) is a full sister to Oaks winner Imagine and half-sister to Derby winner Generous: her best performance was over a mile (runner-up in the Irish Guineas), she stayed 10f but seemed not to stay 12f (disappointed in both the Irish Derby and Irish Oaks).  Strawberry Roan has produced (in addition to Green Dollar) 10f winner Portsmouth and 12-15f winner Royal Trooper.  Cape Dollar is sure to get a mile and will probably stay 10f, but she’s not certain to get further than that.

To be honest, I don't recall where I read the bit about TT being campaigned in the UK in the spring/summer before returning to the US in the autumn.  It may have been on Brian Meehan's website shortly after the Breeders' Cup meeting, but I can't be sure.  I was a little surprised when I read it, as I had assumed that she would stay in the US, but owner Andrew Rosen probably reckons it's worth campaigning TT back on turf to see if she can pick up a Gr.2 or Gr.1 race over here, before having another go on dirt.  It's possible that she failed to handle the dirt track last time, so they want to keep their options open.  She could still develop into a top class filly on fast ground.

Interestingly, Irish handicapper Garry O'Gorman has picked out Handassa, Zaminast and Alanza (three of the four top-rated fillies in the list of maiden winners I posted on 07 Dec) as dark horses to follow this year.  It remains to be seen where they start off next season, but maybe the Irish Guineas is a more realistic target for these inexperienced maiden winners than the Newmarket Guineas.  The BHA handicapper Matthew Tester is keen on Zoowraa, unbeaten in two starts last autumn, but she's not on my list of Guineas fancies.

I gather that connections of Hooray are not only delighted by the official recognition she has received (as champion two-year-old filly in Europe) but are also pleased that she has improved physically and strengthened up since the end of last season.  She's been having a holiday at Cheveley Park Stud and the plan seems to be to let her take her chance in the Guineas (all being well).  They can always drop her back in trip if things don't work out in the Guineas.  She doesn't need to improve on her Cheveley Park Stakes form to win an average Guineas, but the trip is the big question mark, especially in view of the fact that she loves to force the pace.

The season Ghanaati won was rumoured to be Barry Hills last season as a trainer before he retired. You got the impression they found a special horse just so he could go out with a bang.

Interestingly, he has not won the Derby before,iirc, and has not yet retired.

The entries for the 1000 Guineas are usually published around the beginning of March, with the Oaks entries out about two weeks later.  The forfeit stage for the Guineas is usually about 12 days before the race, with declarations and supplementary entries a week later and final declarations a couple of days before the race.

thanks james, i meant early entries, i can't wait. the guineas seems very open this year compared to last year, and yet the fav. just made it. so, i Havant a clue how it will pan out this year, especially if the draw plays as big a part as last year, this could stop punters having an ante-post bet in the future, Havant could do the double though. cheers.

i appreciate your opinion james, ty cor ur comments.

Laughing Lashes has reportedly made considerable physical development over the winter ("the striking thing is how she has grown", according to trainer Jessica Harrington, who couldn't be happier with the filly).  She will make her seasonal debut in either the English or the Irish Guineas.  My guess is that she will probably be kept for the Irish Guineas, as she appears to have a preference for yielding ground.

Harry Herbert confirmed a couple of weeks ago that Memory will be trained for the 1000 Guineas and is very likely to have a prep race in either the Nell Gwyn or the Fred Darling.  She has reportedly thrived for her winter break.

wait for the entriel that will be out in about 12 days time.

Someone asked a while ago about plans for Theyskens' Theory.  Well, she is definitely staying with Brian Meehan and will be trained for the early-season classics.  In a review of last season at Manton published a month ago on Brian's website, he picked out TT and Brevity as 1000 Guineas possibles.  Both fillies have also been entered for the French Guineas and Irish Guineas.

I see the Magic Sign have at last cut their stand-out 10/1 about Misty For Me; hopefully a positive sign for the filly.

Khawlah just won the UAE Oaks, boosting the form of Havant in the process. She actually showed a decent turn of foot, and perhaps enjoyed the surface. The ground when she finished 3rd to Havant at Newmarket was quite soft.

Saeed Bin Surour has said she will next run in the Musiodora at York.

^

they could yet change their mind.

33/1 for the Oaks about Khawlah seemed fair as a Musidora prep generally only means one thing. Couldnt get a full bet on though and the price was quickly cut to 20s

james
is Cape Dollar entered?