ONLY six entries were received for the season's first classic, the $1.75 million Track Price Plus 1000 Guineas, when nominations closed last Saturday.
This makes it the smallest field ever to contest the fillies classic since the Guineas was divided in 1975.
Heading the list of entries for the Easter Monday 1600m event is SIMPLY MAGIC, the hot ante-post favourite by virtue of having won her last four races, including the prestigious Jamaica Lottery Company 2-Y-O Stakes over 1600 metres last Boxing Day.
SIMPLY MAGIC passed her recent prep with flying colours when making all over 1300 metres last Wednesday, coming home 2 1/4 lengths clear of KING AL in overnight allowance company.
The fleet-footed daughter of Royal Minister out of Fontainbleu will be ridden by leading all-time jockey Winston Griffiths for owner David Willers and 13-time champion trainer Philip Feanny.
Completing the list of entries are the stable-companions BLACK THATCH, MEANT TO BE and PREMIER SOLUTION, all conditioned by leading trainer Wayne DaCosta, along with the March 9 Thornbird Trial Stakes disqualified winner SEARCHLIGHT, to be ridden by champion jockey Charles Hussey for his brother Percy and the Feanny-trained SASHIE who was awarded that race.
-O.C.
