Local trainer George Margarson is already dreaming of next year’s 1000 Guineas after his filly Lucky Kristale caused a sizeable upset in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket.
Unbeaten and highly promising from her first two starts, Margarson’s 20-1 shot was only sixth in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot and had not looked like she had the sort of ability to trouble 11-10 favourite and Queen Mary winner Rizeena.
She certainly did, though, cruising past Rizeena entering the final furlong and sweeping 2-1/4 lengths clear for a confident Tom Queally.
This was one of the bigger wins of the popular Margarson’s career, as the Group Two event was known as the Cherry Hinton until this season.
“People didn’t realise how upset I was at Royal Ascot,” Margarson said. “I think I left her a bit undercooked – she had only done one gallop before the race.
“She has been working with my big boys since then, and she has been finding it just as easy.
“Tom knew she was a machine, Ryan (Moore) knew she was and then she bounced the gates at Ascot and Graham (Lee) did the right thing, but she didn’t get home. Ridden like this, she’s a machine.
“When you win a Group Two like that it’s great and there’s no doubt a Group One is just around the corner for her.
“There’s Deauville, but she’s not a filly I’m in a rush with so we’ll leave it open. I think she could be a Guineas filly next year.”
