Musical Times strengthens 1000 Guineas claims with dominant May Hill Stakes win
Charlie Appleby’s filly won the Group Two race at Doncaster by seven and a half lengths, with Paddy Power cutting her to 6/1 favourite for next year’s 1000 Guineas.
Musical Times moved into the 1000 Guineas conversation with a commanding victory in the Group Two May Hill Stakes at Doncaster’s Leger Festival.
The Charlie Appleby-trained filly travelled strongly under William Buick before accelerating clear more than a furlong from home. She finished seven and a half lengths ahead of Scommessa Sicura, who was second.
Musical Times had previously won her first two races at Newmarket and Yarmouth, but had not appeared certain to dominate a Group Two field so decisively.
Appleby said Newmarket’s Fillies’ Mile had been the planned next race since the filly’s Yarmouth victory. He said her natural pace, strong travelling and acceleration had been evident in the race.
Paddy Power initially cut Musical Times to 12/1 from 25/1 for next year’s 1000 Guineas before shortening her further to 6/1 favourite. The price reflects the bookmaker’s current market assessment and does not guarantee an entry or victory.
Appleby compared Musical Times with Desert Flower, who won the May Hill Stakes before going on to win the Guineas, while saying he viewed the latest winner as more suited to the Classic than her predecessor.
