'She has an unbelievable physique' - Statuette sets 1,000 Guineas marker

Sunday: Curragh

Statuette hardened to 10-1 favourite (from 12) for the 2023 Qipco 1,000 Guineas after a workmanlike success in the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes under Ryan Moore kept her unbeaten record intact from two starts.

The Justify filly, a half-sister to last year's Cheveley Park winner Tenebrism, picked up well inside the final furlong on the stands' rail to account for previous winners Badb and Matilda Picotte by three-quarters of a length and the same. Only two lengths separated the first four home in a tactical affair.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "Statuette is a very big filly and we were really only training her to be three-quarters ready with an eye on the last part of the season. With a filly like that, if you train her too hard she could bolt up today but you might have no filly for the end of the season.

"We were a little bit worried when the ground got soft that she could have got very tired, but her class got her through. She has a beautiful mind, a great stride and an unbelievable physique. She's a filly with a lot of class and should have no trouble getting a mile."

Feane and Powell strike again

Curragh trainer John Feane and 7lb claimer Jamie Powell continued their hot streak when Ano Syra landed the €100,000 Rockingham Handicap, following up last weekend's Ulster Derby success with Urban Oasis.

Like Urban Oasis, Ano Syra has found notable improvement this season and she was winning for the third time on turf when brought with a sustained effort on the stands' rail to record a half-length success over Big Gossey in the colours of Charlotte Musgrave.

Feane paid tribute to Powell, saying: "That's eight rides he's had for me. Five winners, two seconds and a fourth, so he's done well for me."

He added: "The owners Charlotte and James were kind enough to send her to us before Christmas. It's fantastic that she managed to win today because I was a little worried about the ground, but she was brave. After that performance I'd imagine she'll go for some black type."

It was the second leg of a double for Powell after his victory in the 6f handicap on Coumshingaun for Kevin Coleman.

Results, replays and analysis

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