Precise moment has arrived for O’Brien filly at Newmarket
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sat 2 May 2026
Not many fillies line up in the Betfred 1000 Guineas having already won two Group Ones but that is the case with Aidan O’Brien’s Precise at Newmarket on Sunday.
The daughter of Starspangledbanner landed the Moyglare Stud Stakes over seven furlongs and the Fillies’ Mile, but was supposed to end her season at the Breeders’ Cup only to be ruled out when found to be coughing on the morning of her race.
It has been a rush for O’Brien to get her to the start line due to a minor setback earlier in the year, but he is happy enough to let her take her chance in the Classic.
“She had a temperature and lost a little bit of time and we didn’t think she would make the Guineas,” said O’Brien.
“We always had in our head with her that she could go to the Guineas and could even go to the Oaks after the Guineas.
“She’s unusual – she could be very happy going the Oaks trip. Probably her most impressive performance was in the Fillies’ Mile when they went a strong gallop and there’s a lot of stamina on her dam’s side.”
O’Brien also runs another Group One winner in True Love, the mount of Wayne Lordan.
Touleen was favourite for the Fred Darling at Newbury a fortnight ago but had no answer to the late surge of Irish Guineas-bound Sukanya.
Her trainer Owen Burrows expects Saffie Osborne’s mount to improve for that and has not given up hope yet.
“She worked on Wednesday and everyone was very happy with her, she looks to have taken a step forward from Newbury,” said Burrows.
“From what I’ve seen at home I definitely think there is more to come from her, but for whatever reason she just didn’t quicken like she can at Newbury.
“It might have been a bit of rustiness and it’s been tough for the fillies given how cold it has been, but I would be hopeful there’s better to come from her.
“It looks a reasonably open Guineas and if she can take a step forward then we would be hopeful of a big run.”
Azleet was a shock winner of the Nell Gwyn (Mike Egerton/PA)
Stuart Williams is dreaming of his first Classic with Azleet, who caused a shock in the Nell Gwyn.
“We’re very happy with her. She’s come out of the race in great form. She’s worked nicely since the Nell Gwyn. We’re looking forward to seeing how she gets on on Sunday,” he said.
“It’s the premier 1000 Guineas trial and I thought she did well to win the way the race was run. We’re obviously aware that we’re stepping up again but we’re very happy to roll the dice and give it a go. She’s run well on that track a few times now.
“I think she was finishing off that race well enough. They’d gone hard early and she was the one that was sticking on best so I think she’ll give herself every chance of getting the trip.”
Charlie Appleby runs the once-raced Abashiri and William Buick is hoping her class make up for her lack of runs.
“She lacks experience, but this was always the plan for her,” he told Sky Sports Racing.
“While she doesn’t have the experience on track she’s done everything right at home she’s a big filly and I loved her when she won at Kempton last year.”
Also in the Godolphin blue will be Oisin Murphy on Andre Fabre’s My Highness.
Speaking earlier in the week Fabre said: “Being by Ghaiyyath stepping up to a mile should definitely suit her and the mile at Newmarket is a test. More so, she is more a Prix de Diane filly.
“Miss France (2014 winner) was beaten in the Prix Imprudence. It doesn’t worry me when they are beaten in trials, that one is a very early race in soft ground so it is not a concern.
“My concern was actually she was looking very wintry, but now she is starting to blossom.”
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