Racing Centre

Scarlet Runner sprang a suprise on day 1 of the Craven Meeting at the NatWest Rowley Mile pictured above.

SCARLET Runner sprang a surprise on the opening day of the Craven meeting when she conquered Sander Camillo by a neck in the Shadwell Nell Gwyn Stakes. Sander Camillo began the seven-furlong Group 3 as a hot ante-post favourite for the Stan James 1000 Guineas. But her lofty reputation received something of a dent as the John Dunlop-trained Scarlet Runner proved a neck better on the day.

Sander Camillo was prominent throughout but wasn’t able to get back on terms with Scarlet Runner once the 15-2 chance took it up on the far rail over two furlongs out.

Dunlop, who has already saddled three 1000 Guineas winners, can now look forward to returning to the NatWest Rowley Mile with Scarlet Runner, a 16-1 shot for the fillies’ classic, on May 6. The Sussex trainer said: “That was very pleasing. She has got the seven furlongs well today and none of us know about another furlong, but I imagine she would get it.  "Coming here I would have been pleased with third or fourth, but she worked very well over six furlongs at Goodwood the Saturday before last. "She's come here and done her stuff so we will have to go to the Guineas now. She's a big, strong filly who has progressed and she does enjoy fast ground." 

While Scarlet Runner is definitely inked in for a crack at a Guineas, connections will ponder over the next few days whether Sporting Index European Free Handicap winner Prime Defender will take his place in the Stan James 2000 Guineas on May 5. He just held on from Tobosa to nail a thrilling victory at odds of 5-2 in the Listed seven-furlong event. Hills, who also has other 2000 Guineas options in the shape of Captain Marvelous and Thousand Words, said: “We are not going to make a decision just yet - we will see how the rest of the trials go. “One race that will be on his agenda is the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. But he is a nice horse and very consistent.”

Epsom trainer Terry Mills has made no secret of his desire to win a Derby just outside his own front door and the dream is alive after Petara Bay ground out a brave 4-1 triumph in the Connaught Access Flooring Feilden Stakes. The Peintre Celebre colt showed a terrific attitude as he fought hard to keep at bay the late charge of Salford Mill. He will now head for a recognised Derby trial - the Dante at York was mentioned - in May before connections decide over a possible tilt at the Blue Riband on June 2. Mills said: “This fellow has got a great cruising speed - if he gets amile-and-a-half he will be a serious horse.”

Locally-based trainer Julia Feilden has her own dream - a Royal Ascot winner - after Spirit Of Sharjah ran out a ready winner of NGK Spark Plugs/Coachmakers Conditions race for two-year-olds. Jockey Mick Kinane tracked the early pace before unleashing the Invincible Spirit colt, who scored by two-and-a-half lengths.

Arabian Gulf gave jockey Kerrin McEvoy a winner with his first ride since returning to England from wintering in Australia and Dubai. The Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt took the Xplor Maiden from Putra Square, while Snaafy struck in the Alex Scott Maiden Stakes.

The concluding Voute Sales handicap was landed in impressive fashion by 9-4 favourite Sakhee’s Secret.

Written by Tony Rushmer