Nell Gwyn Stakes: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Richard Hannon trains favourite Sky Lantern

Timeform guide you through a really competitive renewal of the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket.

Sky Lantern won listed race at Naas and Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh last year, and better than result in Breederss Cup event final start. Remains with potential, and the one to beat on form.

Baileys Jubilee won 3 times as a juvenile, and better form when placed in pattern events on last 4 starts, most recently third to Rosdhu Queen in the Cheveley Park here (6f). Stamina to prove for new trip now.

Coincidently didn't need to improve on placed efforts in 6f turf maidens to get off the mark over 7f at Kempton in October, but well held in a handicap on return, and looks out of her depth here.

Exactement followed a maiden win with share of fourth in 6f listed race here in October, and bettered that form when third at same level at Chantilly last month. Not reached her limit, but this is a big ask.

Hot Snap is a half-sister to yard's standard-bearer Midday, from family which has achieved much success for connections. Looked a good prospect when winning maiden at Kempton, but lack of experience a worry here.

Jadanna won her first 2 starts last year, and better form in defeat after. Appeared to have trained on when mid-field in Chantilly listed race last month, but is held by Exactement on that running.

Lady Nouf is a half-sister to owners' useful 1m winner Nouriya. Overcame inexperience to land a 7f Leicester maiden in October, looking a bright prospect in the process. Sure to do better, and not dismissed.

Light Up My Life put up her best effort last season when making all to win a 7f nursery on July course, and backed that up when second in Oh So Sharp Stakes over C&D on final outing. Not a forlorn hope at likely odds.

Nargys Has only a Yarmouth maiden win to her name, but this scopey sort improved with each run, and was unlucky when second in the Rockfel Stakes over C&D on final start. Sure to do better still at 3 yrs.
 
Reyaadah is a useful-looking filly who was impressive when winning a 6f maiden here in June. Third in Sweet Solera (behind Sky Lantern) next time, but bit disappointing in May Hill at Doncaster in September.

Sorella Bella is a tough front runner who won a listed race at Milan in September, and runner-up in pattern events there on last 2 starts. Lacks the scope of a few of these, and not entered in 1000 Guineas.

Sound of Guns is from the family of Irish 2000 Guineas winner Shaadi, and improved when chasing home Rosdhu Queen in 5f listed race at Newbury before third in Flying Childers. Will do better yet, but looks a sprinter.

Waterway Run bettered the form of York nursery win when beating Light Up My Life in Oh So Sharp Stakes over C&D. Ahead of unlucky Sky Lantern at Santa Anita in November, and is one to keep on side.

Winning Express won a maiden on debut, and proved too strong for Jadanna in 6f listed race at Salisbury in September. Improved when second to Rosdhu Queen in Cheveley Park next time, and not yet fully exposed.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Nargys
2. Sky Lantern
3. Winning Express

Timeform view: Sky Lantern sets the standard on the form she showed as a juvenile, and merits plenty of respect, but she has to concede weight to the progressive Nargys, and Luca Cumani's filly is preferred. Winning Express looks best of the rest, with Light Up My Life an interesting one at bigger odds.