'Classic horses are what we all want' - Duty First set for 1,000 Guineas after surprise 33-1 Fred Darling romp

Classic aspirations are very much alive for Archie Watson after Duty First produced a sparkling performance when landing a shock 33-1 success in the Group 3 Fred Darling Stakes.

The manner of her runaway victory resulted in Paddy Power making her a 25-1 chance for the Betfred 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket next month, although her participation will be reliant on connections stumping up a £30,000 supplementary fee.

The Group 1 contest, however, is certainly in the mind of Lambourn trainer Watson, who is excited about the prospects of Duty First going forwards.

Watson said: "She’ll definitely go over a mile in the 1,000 Guineas. I haven't got her in entered at Newmarket, but I'd imagine that's where she'd run. She was actually scheduled to go for the Italian Guineas, but I don't think that'll happen now. 

"She's not in the French Guineas either, as I tend not to waste entry fees, so she'll be supplemented as and where I want to run her once I've spoken to Sheikh Nasser. I'd imagine after a performance like that she'll go to Newmarket."

Owned by Victorious Racing, the daughter of Showcasing finished third in the Rockfel Stakes last year and the way in which she tore apart her 14 rivals under Hollie Doyle came as a slight shock to Watson.

"It was a very strong Fred Darling when you compare last year with six runners," he said. "This time there were proper Group 1 horses from last year and the way she's done it surprised me, but the fact she's come on and done something like that hasn't because she's been in great order this spring.

"She was raw in the Rockfel and we knew she'd do well physically. She's big and she's from a family we know well. We trained her half-brother Army Ethos, who was second in the Coventry. We're just delighted as Classic horses are what we all want."

Duty First: is set to be supplemented for the Newmarket ClassicCredit: Edward Whitaker

Watson added: "It's not often I debut one at Newmarket, so that shows how much I thought of her. After she won at Ayr we went straight into Group company, so we've always thought a lot of her and she's definitely grown a lot. 

"She's lovely and I'm delighted for Sheikh Nasser, who should have a filly for the Group 1 races this summer."

Doyle, who rode Folgaria to win this race last season for Marco Botti, also expects the winner to improve with a step up in distance and is relishing what is to come.

"She's going to improve for a step up to a mile," said the jockey. "I know she was a big price but we're not really that shocked. 

"Her work at home has been pretty good and we always thought quite highly of her. She probably wasn't where she needed to be last season but achieved more than she should have. Hopefully this year is her year."

Jack Channon saddled 40-1 shot Hey Boo to finish second and is also likely to go down the Classic route after a promising effort on her first start in Group company.

"It'll be straight to the Guineas," said the West Ilsley-based trainer. "I'm delighted with her. It was her first time on the grass after two wins on the all-weather and she'll come on a ton. She'll improve for the mile and I wouldn't swap her."

Time For Sandals pulled clear of 80-1 shot Betty Clover for third, while Simmering fared best of the 5-2 joint favourites, finishing seventh, with Godolphin's Mountain Breeze in 11th.

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