Nell gwyn stakes

ROGER Varian’s Qabala, successful on her only run as a two-year-old, returned to the scene of that win in the Group 3 Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes as the new season dawned at headquarters on Tuesday. The daughter of Scat Daddy beat much more experienced rivals in style, pulling nearly two lengths clear of stable companion Mot Juste with Angel’s Hideaway in third.

The word was out and Qabala quickly dropped from 6/1 to 100/30 favourite on the off. She was impressive enough to attract support for the Qipco 1000 Guineas and is as low as 5/1 in some lists.

The Godolphin filly Orchid Star led and crossed to the stands’ rails, with Main Edition flattering briefly and the runner-up then taking over for a few strides. However, when David Egan asked for an effort Qabala quickened up well and strode clear on the climb to the line.

There seems no reason to doubt her effectiveness over another furlong in the Guineas and owner Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani clearly has a leading contender.

“She had a lovely passage through,” Varian said.

“You could see in the paddock that she hasn’t come in her coat yet.

“I think the race will really bring her forward and there is more to come. Mot Juste travelled strongly and ran a great race. She maybe got a bit tired up the hill, then found her second wind.”

Egan will hope to be on Qabala again in the first fillies’ classic – Andrea Atzeni was on Mot Juste this week – and there is every chance she will start favourite.

The two closest to her in the market after the Nell Gwyn were Just Wonderful and Skitter Scatter, though both could be backed at 10/1.

Varian is delighted with the way the new campaign has begun because Flavius Titus, 8/1, battled on well for Atzeni to hold Summerghand by a neck in the Weatherbys TBA Handicap over six furlongs, thereby initiating a stable double.