Tahiyra, Mediate Renew Rivalry in One Thousand Guineas

Long-term favorite Tahiyra  bids to confirm the immense promise of her unbeaten juvenile campaign when renewing rivalry with Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T) winner Meditate  in the May 7 One Thousand Guineas (G1) at Newmarket.

Trained by Dermot Weld, the Aga Khan filly scored on her debut at Galway in July before stretching two and a quarter lengths clear of Meditate in the Moyglare Stud Stakes (G1) last time. That September display at the Curragh, where she quickened up in devastating fashion under Chris Hayes with a furlong to travel ensured she was elevated to the head of the Classic market where she has been ever since.

Weld said: "She traveled over on the ferry on Friday. It was a long journey but she's fine. The race is two weeks earlier than I'd have ideally liked. Some fillies come forward rapidly at this time of year, whereas others take time, and she's just taken a bit more time to come to herself. She's coming forward nicely but another two weeks would have been ideal. We are where we are and I'm happy with her."

Meditate had a far busier juvenile campaign than Tahiyra and recorded four victories before the Moyglare Stud Stakes, including in the Albany Stakes (G3) at Royal Ascot and Debutante Stakes (G2).

After suffering her first defeat in September, she finished second in the Cheveley Park Stakes (G1) behind Lezoo  before winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf last time.

"We're very happy with her and everything has gone well in the lead up to the race," said trainer Aidan O'Brien. "But, like the two colts in the Two Thousand Guineas (G1), she had to travel over the day before, which is not something we usually do. We wouldn't usually stay away from home overnight before the Guineas.

"She's a very lazy worker at home and only shows you what she has to, but we've been happy with her work. We felt we might have rushed her a bit last year in the Cheveley Park after the Moyglare, where we perhaps made a bit too much use of her in the ground so we think we have two legitimate excuses for her."

Mammas Girl  will attempt to emulate Cachet , who won last year's Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket before following up in the One Thousand Guineas. Trained by Richard Hannon, Mammas Girl scored on her debut at the track in October before causing a 16-1 surprise when following up in last month's group 3.

Hannon said: "Everything has gone well since Newmarket last time and while this is obviously a much tougher task, she's going the right way and is unbeaten at the track. We've always held her in very high regard and, as long as there's not too much rain, she has to be taken very seriously."

The yard will also be represented by Powerdress, who also scored on her debut at Newmarket before finishing third over seven furlongs last month.

"I was delighted with her first run back last time and she's improved a lot since then," added Hannon. "There's a bit more stamina in her pedigree so I wouldn't have any concerns in terms of the trip and she has a bright future. Whether she's up to winning a Guineas, only time will tell, but her work has been good."