Karen's Caper has Guineas edge

Karen's Caper can use her Nell Gwyn Stakes triumph two weeks ago as a springboard to victory in Sunday's $650,000 1000 Guineas Stakes at Newmarket.

The fillies' classic has attracted 21 runners to the straight, undulating Rowley Mile course, where the good-to-firm ground should suit Karen's Caper perfectly. In defeating Cape Columbine in the seven-furlong Group 3 Nell Gwyn, Karen's Caper, a Kentucky-bred daughter of Breeders' Cup Mile winner War Chant, provided just what was being sought by trainer John Gosden. "She is crying out for a mile," Gosden said. Regular rider Jimmy Fortune has the call.

Shanghai Lily, a maiden and allowance winner in two starts last fall, is the slim favorite for trainer Michael Stoute. Stoute will also saddle Echelon, a Danehill filly who was third in the Group 3 Fred Darling Stakes on April 16.

The Godolphin-owned pair of Satin Kiss and Fen Shui have their work cut out for them. Although Satin Kiss aired in the UAE 1000 Guineas and the UAE Oaks on dirt, the competition was suspect in both races and the times painfully slow. A Timber Country filly, Fen Shui will be making her seasonal debut.

Likewise, Maids Causeway, the winner of the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes going seven furlongs at Newmarket in October. In Virginia Waters, however, Aidan O'Brien is bringing from Ireland a seasoned, improving daughter of Kingmambo who is coming off an impressive three-length score in the Group 3 Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial on April 10.