Nassau Stakes preview Dual Classic winner and Royal Ascot heroine Winter takes a step into the unknown in an enthralling renewal of the Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood. The brilliant Minding provided trainer Aidan O'Brien with a third success in the 10-furlong showpiece last year and following her recent retirement due to injury, Winter has big boots to fill. The three-year-old daughter of Galileo has emphatically proved herself the best of her generation over a mile by completing the English-Irish 1000 Guineas double, after which she landed the Coronation Stakes in June. O'Brien is confident the step up to a mile and a quarter will not hinder his latest star filly. "It's her first time over a mile and a quarter but she is in good form," said the Ballydoyle handler. "We always thought she was a very high-class filly. From the first time she ran she has progressed with every run. We were delighted with all three of her Group One wins and have been impressed all three times. "You can never be sure that she will get the mile and a quarter, but she is by Galileo, which is obviously a big help." O'Brien also saddles Hydrangea, who beat Winter at Leopardstown in the spring but has proved no match for her esteemed stablemate on her last three starts. John Gosden is another to fire a formidable twin assault as he bids to win the prize for a fifth time, although Shutter Speed will not run if there is significant rain. The daughter of Dansili was last seen finishing fourth in the French Oaks, but has been passed over by Frankie Dettori in favour of So Mi Dar, who has been out of action since last October, with Pat Smullen taking the mount on Shutter Speed. Nezwaah could not have been more impressive in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh and trainer Roger Varian feels she merits her place in the line-up. He said: " I've been very happy with her since she won in Ireland and she really looks terrific. She's in great form. "She has to step up again in a very strong renewal, but that's as it should be in these championship races. With the exception of Minding, there are not many missing and it will be exciting to see how she fares. "Winter has won two Classics and a Coronation Stakes, and she will be a hard nut to crack if she gets the extra two furlongs. "There are some other very good fillies in there as well, but what we crave is to be involved in these races. It's nice to to take a good animal to a good race like this. "She's not flashy in her work at home but good enough. She's professional and saves it for when she needs it."
