When Fallen Angel stormed home in the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes (1400m) at the Curragh last September, she looked tailor-made for the fillies’ first Classic of the English season, the G1 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Newmarket on Sunday (5 May).

The Moyglare was run over seven furlongs, while Fallen Angel’s pedigree and the strength of her finish that day makes Sunday’s test over more ground appear ideal. Trainer Karl Burke said: “I think they’ve got us to beat. On all known form we deserve to be favourite.”

Burke’s confidence was boosted by a racecourse gallop last month and Fallen Angel’s work since. After the gallop, he reflected: “As you saw in the Moyglare last year when she looked beaten and was doing her best work as she crossed the line, she’s a filly who saves her best for when she is really asked for an effort. I think it will be the same in the Guineas.”

Since then, Burke has reported further progress.

“She needed that gallop. Came out of it really well and has taken a big step forward since. She did another good piece of work a few days ago and I’m very happy with her,” he said.

Opponents, including second favourite Ylang Ylang, face a daunting task but the filly represents the powerful stable of Aidan O’Brien, who has won five of the last eight runnings of the 1000 Guineas.

Ylang Ylang started as favourite for the Moyglare but finished last after racing keenly. She restored her reputation by later winning the 2023 G1 Fillies’ Mile (1600m) at Newmarket and eventually is expected to appreciate getting beyond a mile.

O’Brien said: “She might get 2400m in time, but we are very happy with her at 1600m for now. Prior to the Fillies’ Mile she lost her way a bit so it was great to see her do what she did and get back on track.”

For Godolphin, Mawj’s victory in last year’s 1000 Guineas was one of the highlights of a rather disappointing season. This time, they have a live candidate in Dance Sequence. She showed her inexperience when narrowly beaten by Pretty Crystal in a Group 3 contest over 1400m at Newmarket last month. The extra distance and that experience give hope of sufficient improvement to challenge the market leaders.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “That wasn’t the race we were training her for – you don’t tune them up for a trial race. We want her to be at her best on 5 May, and today’s experience and the step up in trip will help ensure that she is.”

In close third place behind Ylang Ylang in the Fillies’ Mile was the improving See The Fire, also likely to appreciate longer distances as the season progresses. Trainer Andrew Balding said: “We rate her very highly. She certainly has the ability, will improve and has a great chance.

“The beauty of this race is that you can’t predict what will happen. There is always a horse that improves from last year and turns the race on its head.”

Other trainers will take encouragement from that.