Guineas and Oaks favourite Inspiral puts her reputation on the line in May Hill

Thursday: 2.40 Doncaster
Cazoo May Hill Stakes (Group 2) | 1m | 2yo fillies | ITV3/Sky

Inspiral, ante-post favourite for next year's Qipco 1,000 Guineas and Cazoo Oaks, makes her much-anticipated return to the track and on official ratings all she has to do is repeat her Star Stakes performance to easily justify cramped odds for trainers John and Thady Gosden.

Given natural progression is almost guaranteed, are we about to watch a future champion strut her stuff? The fact she's running in this race could indicate that's the case.

Inspiral currently sits 20th in the list of highest-rated two-year-old fillies ever trained by John Gosden courtesy of a mark of 104, and fifth for juveniles who achieved a 100+ RPR prior to August in their first season. Only Chicarica (114, 1990) Maqaasid (107, 2010), Newfangled (105, 2012) and Angel's Hideaway (105, 2018), all of whom were sprinters, surpassed Inspiral early on in their respective careers.

Her precocity has to be noted – Gosden's last three Oaks winners (Taghrooda, Enable and Anapurna) didn't hit the track until the backend of their two-year-old seasons – and that has to stand Inspiral in good stead ahead of this prize.

Gosden has won the May Hill five times, and of those Majmu (1990), Marillette (1992) and last year's winner Indigo Girl all achieved their peak juvenile RPR in the race.

Victory here will further strengthen Inspiral's Classic claims next term, and although this is her first try in Group company, there is an argument the race is easier than her most recent Sandown assignment.

Inspiral's main challenger may be Prosperous Voyage, who is rated 7lb inferior but already boasts placed form at Group level in Goodwood's Prestige Stakes. The daughter of Zoffany is likely to be suited by the step up to a mile on that evidence.

The form of Speak's debut victory received a notable boost when runner-up Natasha struck by five lengths on her next outing. Stepping up from a maiden to Group 2 company isn't easy though, and this also marks her first start on turf. Recent winners Rolling The Dice and Banshee require big jolts of improvement to contend.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

What they say

John Gosden, joint-trainer of Inspiral
We've had this race in mind for her since she won at Sandown and it's a route we've taken in the past. We've been happy with her since then and the trip and track should be perfect for her, although very quick ground is an unknown, so hopefully they'll get a drop of rain.

Inspiral heads towards Newmarket's Al Bahathri gallop

Rob Hornby, rider of Prosperous Voyage
I seriously think she has a lot of ability. I was very happy with the way she ran at Goodwood but she was squeezed out at a vital stage. This track should suit her much more as she's a filly who doesn't do anything quickly but finds the line really well. A mile is what she needs now.

Hilal Kobeissi: 'I thought I was going to lose her after that because people were ringing from all over the world, mainly America'

Hilal Kobeissi, trainer of Rolling The Dice
We fancied her when she won at Newbury last time. I thought I was going to lose her after that because people were ringing from all over the world, mainly America. The Sweet Solera had been her target but we weren't completely happy with her then, so we're having a shot at this. She is only going to get better with time and I definitely think there's a big race in her.

James Wigan, racing manager to George Strawbridge, owner of Speak
She's a nice, scopey individual. This is a big step-up from her first run but it would be very nice if she could get a bit of black type.
Reporting by Lee Mottershead

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3.15 Doncaster: will favourite Free Wind last home over demanding Park Hill trip?

3.45 Doncaster: 'He should be a big player' – is next season's Lincoln winner in action?

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