'She didn't do a lot wrong last year' - Hills Guineas hope set for course gallop
Charlie Hills is taking inspiration from a tried-and-trusted route as he aims to capture a first British Classic with Allayaali, who will step up her preparation for the Qipco 1,000 Guineas by galloping at Newmarket on Wednesday.
The same prep was used by Hills's father Barry for Ghanaati, who landed the 1,000 Guineas in 2009, while the trainer, who helped oversee that schedule, exercised Just The Judge on the Rowley Mile before her Classic second in 2013, which she built on by winning the Irish equivalent.
Two years later Dutch Connection also galloped at Newmarket prior to his respectable seventh in the 2,000 Guineas, and Phoenix Of Spain did the same en route to his Irish 2,000 Guineas triumph in 2019.
Hills has long planned to follow that path with the Shadwell-owned Allayaali, who is a half-sister to Just The Judge.
Her two wins have come over six and a half furlongs and she was last seen finishing second in the Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket in October.
The Lambourn-based Hills, whose contender is a general 33-1 shot, said: "We'll take her for a bit of work up there on Wednesday. The plan is then to run her in the Guineas. She's done really well over the winter and her coat is coming through nicely at the moment.
"Hopefully it will warm up in the next week as we've had some very cold nights and lots of frosts, but her summer coat is definitely getting there.
"Taking horses up there has worked, and if it's not broken you don't need to fix it. I'm happy to do it again rather than take in a trial race, especially for a filly as it's early enough in the year and you don't want to necessarily be giving them a hard race."
Hills, who has made a bright start to 2022 and is operating at a 30 per cent strike-rate, added: "The one question mark is whether she'll stay a mile in the Guineas, but you can say that about quite a few of them.
"She's from the same family as Just The Judge and is becoming more similar to her as she gets older. She didn't do a lot wrong last year. She had that one bad run in the Star Stakes at Sandown, but we had a few reasons for that and she might have been unlucky not to win the Oh So Sharp Stakes.
"After Just The Judge, we might have some unfinished business in the 1,000 Guineas, so hopefully she can give it a good go."
Frankie Dettori's mount Inspiral, trained by John and Thady Gosden for Cheveley Park Stud, is the 11-4 favourite for the 1,000 Guineas, which takes place at Newmarket on May 1.
Now read these . . .
Potential Derby winner? Ballydoyle talking horse Waterville to make Sunday debut
Royal Ascot return for Golden Pal after roaring to success in the Shakertown
'It's our fault' - Brian Ellison apologises after wrong horse mix-up
GET READY FOR THE 2022 FLAT SEASON WITH OUR BRILLIANT STABLE TOUR SERIES
Over 50% off Racing Post Members' Club! Members' Club is the only subscription racing fans and punters need in order to stay informed and make smarter betting decisions. Features include early access to the Racing Post digital newspaper, exclusive news and interviews, premium tips and form study tools to assist with betting. Select 'Get Ultimate monthly' and enter code TRYME to get your first month for just £14.99* – that's better than half price! Subscribe now If you decide that Members' Club is not for you, then you can cancel at anytime by contacting us.
*Members' Club Ultimate monthly first month will be charged at £14.99, renews at full price thereafter
Published on 10 April 2022inNews
Last updated 15:11, 10 April 2022
- Merci Olivier! No final winner for Olivier Peslier but the world of racing unites in saluting the end of a great career
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard
- Levy reform talks 'accelerating' as clock ticks down to April deadline for agreement
- Merci Olivier! No final winner for Olivier Peslier but the world of racing unites in saluting the end of a great career
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard
- Levy reform talks 'accelerating' as clock ticks down to April deadline for agreement