O'Brien concerned for Rumplestiltskin

Racing: Aidan O'Brien is slightly concerned about Rumplestiltskin ahead of the Stan James 1000 Guineas at Newmarket today.

Racing: Aidan O'Brien is slightly concerned about Rumplestiltskin ahead of the Stan James 1000 Guineas at Newmarket today.

The ante-post favourite has shown signs of coming into season and the trainer will continue to monitor her condition ahead of the Classic.

"Rumplestiltskin has shown signs a little bit of coming into season. She's a young filly and in her cycle you never know which way she's going to be. We'll see how she is tomorrow," O'Brien told Racing UK. "We've been very happy with her and hopefully she'll be all right."

O'Brien also saddles Race For The Stars, while a third Irish runner is Alexander Alliance, who will bid to give trainer Tommy Stack his second 1000 Guineas winner after Las Meninas in 1994.

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"She has travelled over well and we are happy with her," said the trainer's son and assistant Fozzy.
"Ideally we would like to see her a bit better in her coat. It's been cold this spring but she has been working well and we are happy with her.

"She's done well over the winter. She has always been big and scopey. She had plenty of size and scope to grow into, so it was never really a concern whether she might grow or not. She was big to start with.

"We hope she gets the mile because it would make things a lot easier for the rest of the year. She has a chance of getting it as she is so relaxed. She settles all right, it's just the way she's bred which gives us stamina concerns.

"She'd be similar to Las Meninas in that they have plenty of pace and not certain to stay. We'll find out if she is as good tomorrow."

John Gosden received a timely boost ahead of Nannina's Classic bid when Wild Savannah scored at Headquarters today.

"She's in good form. She did a bit of work with Wild Savannah the other day. He just breezed upsides with her so that gives me some encouragement," the trainer said.

"She's a bit like the trees, she hasn't come into full bloom but she's in good order and she has worked nicely and the race will bring her right on. She's a Group One winner so there is no point messing about in a Group Three with a penalty, you might as well run her in a Group One and get on with it, at home, over a course and distance she has won over.

"I'm pleased with her in every way - I would have just preferred another 10 days."

Alan Munro is looking forward to riding Wake Up Maggie for local trainer Chris Wall.
The Xaar filly won a valuable sales race at the Curragh last season and was a fine second to Donna Blini in the Cheveley Park in September.

"She's a very good filly and her ability isn't in question. It's all about the trip really and whether she stays it well," Munro said. "Her condition is excellent - Chris has her in great shape. If she stays, she'll be very close."