Maureen bounces right back into Guineas contention

Richard Hannon’s hand for this year’s Classics both home and abroad strengthened further after Spring Trials day at Newbury with Maureen and Olympic Glory making successful Guineas preparations.

There were no shortage of question marks hampering Maureen after a hugely disappointing run in the Cheveley Stakes when last seen, but that will all be forgotten following a commanding display. In front that day at Newmarket last September was Rosdhu Queen, but William Haggas’ previously unbeaten filly was no match for a fully fit daughter of Holy Roman Emperor. Hannon’s filly is now 12/1 for the 1000 Guineas.

With more improvement expected to come from Nell Gwyn runner-up Sky Lantern, Hannon and co have an enviable team for HQ next month and, with all aspects of the stable in the same winning sync that led to last campaign’s trainer’s championship, it is becoming increasingly difficult to discount their chances.

Such is the might of the Herridge Stables arsenal this year, Olympic Glory will not be required at the Rowley Mile in May but that did not stop Richard Hughes’ partner from enhancing his claims for jewels across the Channel.

Although the champion jockey was hard at work long before Marco Botti’s Newmarket-bound Moohaajim, he found plenty underneath to repel all challenges, with his chief market rival unable to confirm the promise caused by his smooth journey in the race.

Those holding ante-post tickets for Moohaajim will be rightly concerned as he could do no better than third, although the way he travelled in the race offers some hope.

As seen with the disappearance of the once loftily placed Rosdhu Queen and the emergence of Hot Snap as favourite, much can change in the complexion of the Guineas from now until the first weekend in May. One thing for certain is that Hannon will be there with no shortage of firepower.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.