Skitter Scatter ready for 1,000 Guineas after 'seamless transition' to Oxx

John Oxx reports Qipco 1,000 Guineas second favourite Skitter Scatter in excellent form as she bids to give her trainer a first Classic success for ten years at Newmarket on Sunday.

After an exceptional two-year-old season, which included a Group 1 victory in the Moyglare Stud Stakes, the general 6-1 shot has, according to her trainer, improved markedly after suffering a slight setback in February.

"She's very well," said Oxx, who in 2009 saddled Sea The Stars to win the 2,000 Guineas, Derby and Arc, and Alandi to win the Irish St Leger.

"She's had a good preparation and we've been happy. She did have a bit of a cough in February and was a little backward in her coat for a while, but she's come on well in the last month.

"Her work has been good and consistent. She's not flamboyant and when she feels she's done her work she's quite happy not to extend too much, but she's been enthusiastic. She really has come on over the last three weeks."

Progress was the hallmark of a juvenile campaign that saw the daughter of Scat Daddy win four of her seven starts, including successive victories at Group 3, Group 2 and Group 1 levels to end the season.

Oxx, speaking at a media morning at his yard on Monday, added: "Last season she progressed for sure and certainly improved when she stepped up to seven furlongs – her form went to a different level when she stretched up in distance.

"The mile is a new distance for her but you'd hope she'd stay. She was finishing out her races very well over seven last season."

With three fast-ground victories already to her name and the going at Newmarket good to firm with no significant rain forecast before Sunday, Oxx is confident Skitter Scatter will relish the conditions. He added: "She goes well on good, fast ground and at the moment I'm pleased with the going report and weather forecast."

Qipco 1,000 Guineas entries

Skitter Scatter is one of 30 horses who have joined Oxx this season from Patrick Prendergast, who decided not to renew his licence and has teamed up with Oxx as his assistant.

"Patrick has been very helpful in ensuring a seamless transition," said Oxx. "We speak about her all the time and I have all the information I need, which has been a big help.

"The first task is to have her as good as Patrick had her last year. She's a Group 1 winner already and all being well she'll be taking her chance in all the top races for fillies this season."

Patrick Prendergast: joined Oxx as assistantCredit: Alain Barr (racingpost.com/photos)

Oxx's fortunes have dipped in the decade since the brilliant three-year-old campaign of Sea The Stars, with last season's tally of nine winners his lowest since 1988.

However, with the arrival of Prendergast's string, as well as 15 regally-bred Godolphin juveniles, the trainer's prospects of an improved year look all but assured.

Looking ahead, Oxx added: "It's been nicer to have more horses and we do have a better, more competitive string this year. We're really looking forward to it.

"There are more horses around the place, more staff and everything seems to be going well, we just need to get going and let horses find their level and start winning some races."

Sixteen fillies remain in the 1,000 Guineas after Monday's forfeit stage, the market headed by Qabala at between 5-2 and 3-1. East and So Perfect were the most notable absentees.

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