Scarlet Runner springs surprise in Nell Gwyn
Wednesday 18th April, 2007
Scarlet Runner racing to victory, picture by Steven Cargill
SCARLET Runner thrust herself into the Stan James 1000 Guineas picture thanks to a brave success in the Shadwell Nell Gwyn Stakes. The John Dunlop-trained winner provided a major upset as she overcame the hot favourite Sander Camillo by a neck. Kerrin McEvoy had the benefit of the far side rail on Scarlet Runner and the pair were always prominent as Sander Camillo and Nina Blini disputed the lead for much of the seven-furlong event. But the eventual 15-2 winner edged to the front approaching two furlongs out and stayed on powerfully through the final strides to prevail.
Stan James responded by slashing Scarlet Runner from 100-1 to 16s for the fillies’ classic on May 6. John Dunlop said: "It helped us a lot to be drawn close to the rail and she ran on well at the end. "She gets the seven furlongs well; whether she will get a mile is another matter but her jockey felt she would."
Written by Tony Rushmer