Pre-post favourite Rizeena features in a field of 19 declared for the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket with trainer Clive Brittain bullish about her chances.
The winner of the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot over the five furlongs (1000m), the daughter of Iffraaj relished seven furlongs to claim the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh and was a fine second to Chriselliam in the Fillies’ Mile at her final two-year-old start.
Brittain’s confidence has not been diminished despite having to change jockey with champion Richard Hughes replacing Ryan Moore, who rides Bracelet for the Aidan O’Brien team.
The veteran Newmarket handler, who is still going strong at the age of 80, is aiming for his third win in the race on Sunday.
“Her work has been according to plan. She has done everything we have asked of her really well and we are going to the Guineas with a very fine chance,” Brittain said.
“The draw’s (seven) not too worrying and the ground will be perfect as far as I’m concerned.
“With Richard riding I’ve no lack of confidence in the jockey.
“He hasn’t sat on her, but he sat behind her last year and beat her once (on Chriselliam), so he knows enough about her.
“There are 19 runners so you always think you need a bit of luck, but if you’ve got the best horse you’ll win. That’s the way I look at it.”
George Margarson’s Lucky Kristale, who defeated Rizeena in the Duchess of Cambridge Strakes on Newmarket’s July course, is among her opponents.
“Like everyone else, we could have done with another three weeks I suppose, but she’s where I want her. She’s spot-on and you couldn’t get her any better,” Margarson said.
