Speciosa upsets in Britain

The British turf flat racing season got serious at Newmarket on Tuesday as Speciosa scored a 9-1 upset in the Group 3, $88,800 Nell Gwyn Stakes, a key prep for the 1000 Guineas.

Speciosa led throughout to win the Nell Gwyn by a length from Spinning Queen, with Salut d'Amour third and the 3-1 favorite, Sweet Travel, fourth, two lengths behind the winner. Speciosa covered the seven furlongs in 1:23.45 on good ground despite drifting sharply left through the last quarter.

* On Thursday at Newmarket, the Group 3 Craven Stakes, a one-mile course-and-distance prep for the 2000 Guineas, could become a battle between Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes runner-up Sir Xaar and Group 2 Champagne Stakes third Killybegs.