'She'll step forward again' - Cachet camp eye Guineas glory after convincing win

Tuesday: Newmarket

Cachet added plenty of prestige to the opening day of the Craven meeting when giving local trainer George Boughey a memorable first domestic Group success in the Landwades Stud Nell Gywn Stakes.

The victory at Group 3 level completed a productive afternoon for jockey William Buick, who won all three features on the seven-race card at a fixture that was hosting crowds for the first time since 2019.

Cachet raced away from the main bunch towards the stands' side but the 15-8 favourite could be called the winner some way out and powered out of the Dip to master outsider Almohandesah and the penalised Hello You.

Cachet, who was giving owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing a third win in the 7f contest, had plenty of previous experience of the Rowley Mile having scored on her debut at the track a year ago and being twice placed in Group company in the autumn.

Boughey said: "This is a massive result for our yard in just our third full year. Having a horse owned by Highclere winning a Classic trial is everything really. Mystery Angel won a Listed race for us here last year and was our first runner in a Classic and it's all systems go for the Guineas."

Cachet was cut to 20-1 (from 50) by Paddy Power for the Qipco 1,000 Guineas, and Boughey added: "It was great to be able to get the work into her when we wanted and when William came and sat on her one morning he said we were near enough there and just to freshen her into the race.

"She was fit enough today but she'll step forward again from this She's obviously a very high-class filly and she'll come back here for the 1,000 Guineas when the mile is the obvious question mark. She was a weak finisher at Del Mar last time but she loves this track and will be giving us a good shout at the furlong pole all being well on May 1."

Highclere spokesman Harry Herbert said: "It's amazing to win the Nell Gwyn for a third time. It's very exciting and William said she was very good and if her strength takes her to the mile all well and good. This year hopefully her maturity will help her as she didn't quite get it last year."

Almohandesah's trainer Karl Burke said: "We came here to get some black type so we're thrilled with that. She's not in the Guineas so we may look at a Listed race at Goodwood in May."

Hello You will return for the Classic, with Amo Racing manager Emily Scott saying: "Rossa Ryan wasn't hard on her and she'll come back for the Guineas."