Wings Expected To Fly In Guineas

Connections of Flashy Wings are hopeful of a big run from the filly when she leads the home challenge in the Stan James 1000 Guineas at Newmarket tomorrow.

The Mick Channon-trained daughter of Zafonic is second-favourite at around 5-1 behind Irish raider Rumplestiltskin.

'She's in top form. Everything's going to suit. You can't fault her, the going or anything else. Everything is in good order with her,' said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Jaber Abdullah.

Although Flashy Wings was beaten at her only attempt beyond six furlongs, connections are adamant stamina is not an issue.

'The trip is not a problem. She would have got a mile last year,' Raymond continued.

The ex-jockey also believes Jamie Spencer, who will ride the filly in a race for the first time on Sunday, is the right man for the job.

'Jamie has ridden her only once I think. That was at Newbury where he did a strong canter on her,' he added.

'She's very straightforward and he's in good form as well. We are looking forward to it.'

Spencer himself cannot wait to team up with Flashy Wings as he takes over from Ted Durcan, who has ridden the Lowther Stakes winner in all her previous six starts.

'I'm really looking forward to riding her as she did very little wrong as a two-year-old. It's D-Day now,' the champion jockey told Racing UK.

'I rode her at Newbury and fell in love with her so lets hope everything goes well on Sunday and the race is trouble-free.

'Ted has had a word with me and just explained her likes and dislikes. I never had anything to do with her last year but she is a very easy filly to ride.

'She doesn't pull and she quickens when you want her to and she doesn't over exaggerate things. It's a race I'm looking forward to.'

Hopes are high in Ireland that Rumplestiltskin can give Aidan O'Brien back-to-back victories in the fillies' Classic after the success of Virginia Waters 12 months ago.

'She kept on improving last year and did everything we asked of her. She's been training well at home and we are hoping for a big run,' said the Ballydoyle trainer.

As well as the Moyglare Stud Stakes and the Prix Marcel Boussac winner, O'Brien also has Race For The Stars among the field of 13.

(C) PA Sport