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Aidan O'Brien targets Nell Gwyn prize with Dramatically

Aidan O'Brien
Image: Aidan O'Brien is sizing up another major Newmarket prize

Aidan O'Brien saddles Dramatically in the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket on Wednesday.

The Naas maiden winner has not been seen in competitive action since finishing fifth behind stablemate Kenya in the Killavullan Stakes and is an interesting contender in this recognised trial for the Qipco 1000 Guineas on May 6.

The highest-rated runner in the field is Mark Johnston's Threading, who won her first two starts as a juvenile - including the Lowther at York - before finishing a disappointing seventh behind the O'Brien-trained Clemmie in the Cheveley Park Stakes.

Johnston also saddles Group Three winner Nyaleti.

Altyn Orda is a major player for Roger Varian judged on her course and distance success in the Oh So Sharp Stakes last autumn.

Other hopefuls in a 12-strong line-up include Dean Ivory's Eirene and Soliloquy from Charlie Appleby's yard.

The Nell Gwyn is one of two Group Three races on day two of the Craven meeting, the other being the bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes.

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This nine-furlong contest has attracted nine runners, including O'Brien's Irish challenger Deauville.

The five-year-old has his sights lowered after rounding off 2017 by running in three consecutive Group Ones and will be well fancied to make the most of the opportunity.

His rivals include Harry Dunlop's stable star Robin Of Navan, Mark Johnston's Frankuus, David Elsworth's Winter Derby winner Master The World and the Eve Johnson Houghton-trained What About Carlo.

Snazzy Jazzy puts his unbeaten record on the line in the bet365 European Free Handicap.

The Red Jazz colt claimed his third win from as many starts in a valuable sales race at the Curragh in September and makes his seasonal reappearance on the Rowley Mile.

Kevin Ryan's Hey Jonesy concedes weight all round, but sets a high standard after finishing fourth in the Middle Park Stakes on his final two-year-old start.

The Charlie Hills-trained Nebo and the long-absent Finniston Farm from Tom Dascombe's yard are also in contention.

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