Winter heads strong field of nine for Nassau Stakes

Dual 1,000 Guineas heroine Winter will face eight rivals when she bids for a fourth consecutive Group 1 triumph in Thursday’s Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.

Aidan O’Brien’s brilliant three-year-old, impressive winner of Royal Ascot’s Coronation Stakes on her latest start, will start a warm favourite under Ryan Moore despite there being tremendous depth to the ten-furlong showpiece.

John Gosden saddles both Shutter Speed and So Mi Dar, with Frankie Dettori electing to ride So Mi Dar. Pat Smullen partners Shutter Speed.

Nezwaah, winner of the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes last time, represents Roger Varian, who said: “I’ve been very happy with her since she won in Ireland and she really looks terrific. She’s in great form. We’ve had one eye on the weather as she likes a sound surface.

“She has to step up again in a very strong renewal, but that’s as it should be in these championship races. With the exception of Minding, there are not many missing and it will be exciting to see how she fares."

Queen’s Trust carries the hopes of Sir Michael Stoute, Godolphin run both Sobetsu and Wuheida, while the field is completed by Aidan O'Brien second string Hydrangea and Blond Me.

Ten juveniles have been declared for the Group 2 Qatar Richmond Stakes, with the William Haggas-trained Headway and Mark Johnston’s Cardship likely to be battling it out for favouritism.

Click here to see the Nassau Stakes card

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