Richard Hughes admits to being “pleasantly surprised” by how much Memory has physically progressed ahead of the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 1.
Richard Hannon’s filly enjoyed a fine juvenile campaign, winning her first three starts before suffering a disappointing defeat in the Moyglare Stud Stakes.
Hughes is sure the filly is better than that effort, though, and believes she is in excellent condition in her quest for Classic glory.
“I was pleasantly surprised when I saw her after coming back from India as she’s growing,” Hughes said.
“As a two-year-old she was quite small and precocious and I wasn’t that confident that she’d make a three-year-old, but after seeing her and having ridden her, she’s done really well and looks great.
“I know she has the engine and now she’s grown a bit, too, and that adds up to the full package.
“It was a funny race at the Curragh. After going two furlongs (400m) I didn’t think I’d win, and that’s not a good sign.
“She definitely ran below par that day,” the jockey told At The Races.
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