Classic trials: ten unheralded hopes who came from nowhere to shine in spring

If it was not for the coronavirus pandemic, this week would have been all about Flat racing with eyes on Newmarket and Newbury, with traditional trials such as the Craven Stakes, Nell Gwyn Stakes, Fred Darling Stakes and Greenham Stakes helping in the search for Newmarket Classic clues.

Since Aidan O'Brien began sending horses to both Newmarket Guineas without a prep run and winning them, these races have assumed less importance, but such races have been key trials throughout their history, not least as a launchpad for horses who came into these races with unheralded reputations.

Mrs McArdy, 1977

This daughter of Tribal Chief gave trainer Mick Easterby the sole Classic winner of his long career when landing the 1977 1,000 Guineas, and no Classic winner in recent memory has had such an unorthodox campaign.