Sly Issues Speciosa Warning

Last year's 1000 Guineas heroine Speciosa heads a field of nine for tomorrow's Group Three Weatherbys Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket ? but her participation is in the balance.

Pam Sly's stable star will not take part if the ground has any jar in it but with the taps currently on at Headquarters, Sly hopes her pride and joy can get her season underway.

'I've spoken to (clerk of the course) Michael Prosser and he said he is going to try to water it on the better side (of good to firm),' said Sly.

'I'm going to take her down there and we will make our minds up beforehand.

'She's very well but I need to get a run into her.'

Final Verse, sixth in last year's 2000 Guineas, and Winter Derby third Illustrious Blue are also in the line-up.

Andre Fabre's Manduro adds an international flavour and was placed in Group One events behind Ouija Board and Librettist last season.

John Gosden's Imperial Star, an impressive winner at Kempton recently, and Jeremy Noseda's Secret World are other potential improvers.

The field is completed by Dunelight, Ivy Creek and Snoqualmie Boy.

(C) PA Sport