Desert Flower heads 10 hopefuls for 1000 Guineas

Hot favourite Desert Flower will face nine rivals as she goes for gold in Sunday’s Betfred 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Trained by Charlie Appleby, the Godolphin filly is unbeaten in four juvenile starts, culminating in a five-and-a-half-length victory in the Fillies’ Mile over the Classic course and distance back in October.

Aidan O’Brien has declared Lake Victoria, whose five-race unbeaten run last year included top-level strikes in the Moyglare Stud Stakes, the Cheveley Park and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, overcoming serious trouble in running in the last-named contest to still run out a ready winner.

O’Brien had expressed some doubt earlier in the spring about whether Lake Victoria would be ready in time, but the Frankel filly will be given her Classic chance and is the sole Ballydoyle contender.

Lake Victoria is the general second favourite and will face a familiar rival in Ger Lyons’ Red Letter, who was just over a length back in fourth in the Moyglare.

Saeed bin Suroor landed the race in 2023 with Mawj and he looks to Elwateen this time, despite having only run once so far when winning a Kempton novice last summer.

Duty First, who was supplemented for the race following her shock 33-1 success in the Fred Darling, represents Archie Watson, with Ralph Beckett fielding Chantilly Lace, winner of her only start to date.

Ollie Sangster is double-handed with Group One-placed Simmering joined by Flight while outsiders Hey Boo and Remaat complete the field.