#UK RACING: FAVOURITE INSPIRAL RULED OUT OF NEWMARKET’S 1000 GUINEAS

KINGSTON, Jamaica - QUICKGALLOP.COM begins its coverage of the English 2000 and 1000 Guineas races. The 2000 Guineas will be run on Saturday, April 30, and the 1000 Guineas on Sunday, May 1, both at the Newmarket race track.

Long-time QIPCO 1000 Guineas favourite Inspiral will miss the opening fillies' Classic of the season next Sunday (May 1).

The unbeaten Frankel filly had headed the market all winter and ever since she concluded her juvenile campaign with a straightforward success in the Group One Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket.

John and Thady Gosden's star had already won the May Hill at Doncaster prior to that and looked a rock-solid proposition for the Guineas.

However, in recent days the market vibes had not been strong and connections admitted on Friday her preparation had not been “100 percent straightforward”.

Chris Richardson, managing director to owners Cheveley Park Stud, said: “John Gosden had an in-depth discussion with the boss, Mrs Thompson, and following that it was decided that sadly Inspiral would miss the 1000 Guineas.

“John Gosden feels she wasn’t really ready for the race and when you receive that advice from a trainer such as John, you follow it and now we’ll look to the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot as part of her programme.

“It is disappointing for all concerned but we must heed their advice.

“Royal Ascot is a favoured meeting of the Thompsons and we’ve had success there previously; it’s the start of the year and we’ve still got lots of opportunities going forward.”

Inspiral’s absence sees Aidan O’Brien’s brilliant Cheveey Park winner Tenebrism as the 11-4 market leader with Betfair.

The firm's spokesman Barry Orr said: "Prior to confirmation this morning that Inspiral wouldn’t be taking up this engagement the market had already been shifting and Tenebrism was favourite, but she has obviously hardened at the head of the betting. She is sure to go off favourite this day next week."