Rain could delay Rose return Wet weather is threatening to delay the reappearance of leading 1000 Guineas contender Regal Rose. Sir Michael Stoute`s charge has the Shadwell Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket next week as a possible stepping stone to the first fillies` Classic. But John Marsh, spokesman for owners the Cheveley Park Stud, said: 'We`re not quite sure what`s going to happen just yet. 'It`s very wet everywhere at the moment and Sir Michael might decide not to run her at Newmarket. 'The filly looks fine and is coming in her coat now but the trainer knows her best and he will know the best course of action.' Stoute has an embarrassment of riches for the 1000 Guineas with Karasta and Enthused, in different ownership, also leading contenders. Regal Rose laid down her credentials with two wins from her only two outings last year. She rounded off her campaign with a Group One triumph in the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket. Regal Rose has never gone beyond six furlongs but connections are confident the daughter of Danehill has the stamina to last the one mile of the Guineas. 'Her full-brother has won over one and a quarter miles and has won Group One races over one mile, so it shouldn`t be a problem,' said Marsh. Stoute`s stable jockey Kieren Fallon is set to face a tough task choosing between the trainer`s trio of 1000 Guineas contenders. But Marsh was unable to offer any clues and said: 'The question of jockeys has not even been discussed yet. We`ll leave that until much nearer the time.' The Cheveley Park Stud is hoping for big things from the four-year-old Medicean, also trained by Stoute, this season. Medicean had appeared to be a handicap `snip` but was most disappointing when tried over an extended 10 furlongs in York`s Magnet Cup. But Marsh added: 'We still think the draw did him that day and the bottom of line of his pedigree suggests that he has every chance of staying 10 furlongs. 'It will give us plenty more optionsif he does stay beyond a mile.' Medicean is unlike to be out in the next few weeks as he is reckoned best on fast ground but a possible launch pad for his season is the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on May 19th.
