Hannon Has Strong Duo for 1,000 Guineas
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Richard Hannon will bid for a second British classic success when he saddles both Osaila and Tiggy Wiggy in the QIPCO One Thousand Guineas (Eng-I) May 3 at Newmarket.
The filly classic offers a £410,000 purse and has attracted a field of 13, including Jim Bolger's group II Shadwell Rockfel Stakes winner Lucida, who is one of four Irish challengers, and Terror, representing the sponsors under their Qatar Racing banner.
Hannon achieved so much in 2014, his first season with a trainer's license, that he was crowned champion trainer. He helped his father, Richard Hannon Sr., prepare Sky Lantern to win the One Thousand Guineas in 2013.
Osaila made the more eye-catching reappearance this year's of Hannon duo, winning the group III Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes at seven furlongs April 15 at Newmarket. Also a group III winner last July, she has already proved herself on the international stage by taking third place in the 2014 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (gr. IT).
Tiggy Wiggy was crowned last season's joint champion 2-year-old filly after a hectic campaign that culminated in brilliant victories in the group II Lowther Stakes at York and the group I Connolly's Red Mills Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket.
She attempted a trip beyond six furlongs for the first time when she finished a creditable third behind Redstart and Jellicle Ball in the seven-furlong Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury two weeks ago, and has another furlong to travel on Sunday.
"Osaila has come in her coat since the Nell Gwyn and looks much better now. I couldn't be happier with her," Hannon said. "She was drawn wide in the Nell Gwyn but she still overcame it, and I think that she has got as good a chance as any of her rivals on Sunday.
"Tiggy Wiggy will improve for her comeback run and we will ride her a bit differently in the Guineas to how we did at Newbury. I could not be confident that she's as good a 3-year-old as she was a 2-year-old, but she has been in fine form at home and we'll all find out very shortly."