Haggas plots course for Guineas with new recruit Sea Of Grace

William Haggas is hoping Irish recruit Sea Of Grace can bring him a first success in a Newmarket Classic in the Qipco 1,000 Guineas in May.

The daughter of Born To Sea is one of a trio of three-year-olds that owners the Tsui family switched to Somerville Lodge from John Oxx late last year, since when they have been joined by a further three two-year-olds.

A 25-1 chance with Paddy Power for the 1,000 Guineas, Sea Of Grace won two of her three starts as a juvenile for Oxx, most recently accounting for the useful Ezriya in the Group 3 Flame Of Tara Stakes at the Curragh in August.

That form received a boost when the runner-up scored in similar company the following month, and Sea Of Grace pleased Haggas in her first piece of work since her arrival on Tuesday morning.

Sea Of Grace, who also holds an entry in the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas, is set to have a warm up for her Classic assignment in the Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket next month.

Haggas said: "Sea Of Grace is looking well in her coat, as she did when she arrived, and is well forward so we aim to train her for the 1,000 Guineas.

"She hopefully will have benefited from the patient approach taken with her by John Oxx last year, when she didn't run after August."

Haggas's other big Classic hope is Group 1 Racing Post Trophy winner Rivet. The trainer said: "He's coming along but there are no definite plans for him just yet."