Sir Henry Cecil has suddenly found himself with the new favourite for the 1000 Guineas as Hot Snap appeared from nowhere in more ways than one to win the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket.
This was a serious statement of intent for the legendary trainer and owner Prince Khalid Abdullah who must cope without Frankel for the first time in three years.
Hot Snap, who went off at 10-1 for the Group Three race, made staggering progress from the rear of the field to charge well clear of favourite Sky Lantern, and although the Guineas arrives quickly enough on May 5, it was not discounted by connections.
A half-sister to another Cecil flag bearer in Midday, Hot Snap was far less experienced than the majority of the field, with only a maiden win on the Kempton Polytrack last September to her name.
It was an eighth Nell Gwyn for Cecil but his first since 1987, and Hot Snap is just 5-1 with Ladbrokes, Betfred and Coral to give him a seventh 1000 Guineas.
“She’s not there yet. She wants a mile and I expect her to come on for that,” Cecil said.
“She could possibly be a Guineas filly. Otherwise she will be a nice one for Royal Ascot.
“She has only been on the grass once this year and the idea was to give her a bit of time to find her feet. She is coming on and will be much better in three weeks time.”