Palmer bidding for Unforgetable win for second year running

4.15 Dusseldorf
Wempe 97th German 1,000 Guineas l Group 2 l 3yo | 1m

Hugo Palmer looks to have good prospects of repeating his success of 2016 in the first German Classic of the year.

His contender, Unforgetable Filly, looks to have most to fear from fellow Newmarket raider Cristal Fizz in an 11-strong field for the €125,000 contest at Dusseldorf on Sunday.

Palmer was on the mark in the Group 2 a year ago with Hawksmoor, and Unforgetable Filly showed a timely return to form for her bid for a follow-up when winning a Listed race at Musselburgh last time.

Before that the daughter of Sepoy had finished sixth, beaten 11 lengths, behind Winter in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket in May.

Palmer said: "Unforgetable Filly has been in good form since Musselburgh, which was over seven furlongs, and she's got to prove she stays a mile.

"She didn't look as if she stayed when sixth in the 1,000 Guineas, but she may not have been up to scratch that day so we're giving it another go.

"It's not the stiffest mile in Europe around Dusseldorf so we're hopeful. It was either this race or run her in the Jersey, in which she wouldn't beat [stablemate] Escobar, or in the Coronation Stakes, in which she might have finished, say, third."

Of the opposition he said: "The race looks to have more depth to it than last year and Cristal Fizz must have a chance, while the local horse Delectation looks useful."

William Haggas is hopeful Cristal Fizz, who finished eighth on her reappearance in the French 1,000 Guineas, can get involved but is tipping his Newmarket opponent.

He said: "I think Hugo's filly will win it, but we should be thereabouts. She ran an okay race at Deauville and should go on any ground as she's quite versatile."

James Doyle rides Unforgetable Filly, with Pat Cosgrave on Cristal Fizz, while Martin Harley partners the Mario Hofer-trained Hargeisa.