Newmarket: Godolphin’s hopes of winning a first Irish 1,000 Guineas (G1) rest with the promising filly Anamba, who is held in high regard by her trainer Michael Halford.
Pitched in at the deep end in only her third career outing, the daughter of Shamardal takes on the might of Aidan O’Brien’s talented three-year-old Minding at the Curragh.
“I am keen to run her. It’s been a wet spring, and it has been difficult to get the fillies to come,” Halford told the Godolphin website in response to the rain that has fallen on the venue. “Just recently, though, she has moved forward and has been working well.
“It’s a big ask, but we think a lot of her, and this is a good place to start her campaign. Her runs against Coolmore last year were very good, and we regard her very highly.
The main threats appear to be Now Or Never, winner of the G3 1,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown and Minding, who looked outstanding when winning the English 1,000 Guineas (G1) at Newmarket. O’Brien’s filly bids for a famous Guineas double.
Michael O’Callaghan, was impressed with Now Or Never’s performance in the Guineas Trial and said: “They went a nice even gallop in Leopardstown, she quickened up well and Kieren was easing her down inside the last furlong.
“I was very impressed with the way she did it on the day. I wouldn’t say I was surprised – we know she has that ability.
“She switches off lovely and her mind is her biggest attribute.”
