Goddess Storms Into One Thousand Guineas Contention

Goddess, a daughter of Investec Epsom Derby (G1) winner Camelot out of a half sister to champion Galileo, bolted into contention for next year's classics with a 10-length victory in a seven-furlong maiden at Leopardstown July 12.

Beaten on her debut at the Curragh, that experience was clearly not lost on the Aidan O'Brien-trained juvenile, sent off the 1-2 favorite, and she never saw another rival under a suitably impressed Seamie Heffernan.

The group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes Sept. 16 could be one possible objective this year for Goddess, who was slashed to 14-1 favorite (from 33) with Sky Bet for next year's QIPCO One Thousand Guineas (G1).

Goddess, bred in Kentucky by Orpendale and Chelston, is no bigger than a general 20-1 for the Newmarket classic.

"She should have won at the Curragh," said Heffernan, considering her debut run when she finished ninth of 11.

He added: "It was a typical Irish race, they were all boxed in looking at each other. I just let her jump and stride along today. I don't know how good a race it was, but she is way better than average."

Put to him that the manner of victory was reminiscent of the way group 1-placed September had won her maiden by 5 1/2 lengths at the same course last year, Heffernan said: "I'd say she's better than September."

While the Guineas may be more than nine months away, O'Brien already dominates the market with stablemates Peach Tree and So Perfect also prominent in the betting.