Touleen on course for Fred Darling test

Touleen will put her Classic credentials to the test in the Dubai Duty Free Stakes at Newbury on Saturday.

The Owen Burrows-trained filly was an impressive winner at the Berkshire circuit on her juvenile debut last August and she claimed the notable scalp of Zanthos when doubling her tally in a conditions event at Leicester the following month.

That form was turned on its head in the Group Two Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket two and a half weeks later, with Zanthos striking gold and Touleen finishing a disappointing fifth but she scoped dirty shortly afterwards.

Connections of Touleen are now hoping she can get back on track on her first start as a three-year-old ahead of a possible tilt at next month’s Betfred 1000 Guineas.

“The plan is for Touleen to run on Saturday as we stand anyway,” said Angus Gold, racing manager to owners Shadwell.

“Touch wood Owen and the team have been very happy with her and it’s a good place to start her off, just down the road.”

Saffie Osborne has been booked in the absence of Jim Crowley. Touleen is one of 21 entries for a Group Three contest better known as the Fred Darling Stakes, with Catching The Moon poised to step up in trip for Richard and Peter Fahey.

The No Nay Never filly won the Group Three Firth of Clyde Stakes at Ayr in the autumn over six furlongs and will now test the water over seven for the first time.

“She’s in good form and we’re trying to get her ready for Newbury. The Guineas trial races are good, they don’t put weak ones in there,” said Richard Fahey.

“We’re just trying to see how she is. It’s tough winning a Group Three at the end of the season and she’s carrying that (penalty) all year.

“There’s no easy option for her, but we’ll see how she gets on at Newbury and then we’ll make a plan.”

Charlie Appleby’s Act Of Kindness and the Richard Hughes-trained America Queen are also among the entries, but both are declared for the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket on Wednesday.

Other contenders include Ed Walker’s Princess Petrol and Karl Burke’s course and distance winner Senorita Vega, sold out of Tom Dascombe’s yard in December.