Khulood wires her Guineas prep

Khulood led throughout to land the Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket on Tuesday, earning her way into the 1000 Guineas on May 4. She defeated Cala by two lengths as the 9-5 favorite, covering the straight and undulating seven furlongs in 1:26.76 on good to firm ground. Her trainer, John Dunlop, is confident that she can get the additional furlong of the Guineas.

On Thursday, Newmarket will be the scene of the Group 3 Craven Stakes, a course-and-distance prep for the one-mile 2000 Guineas. The withdrawal of the favored Tout Seul, third in the Dewhurst Stakes, leaves Hurricane Alan, a listed race winner at The Curragh, as a lukewarm selection, although Saturn, fifth in the Dewhurst, would be a threat if the going remains good to firm.