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UK: Pimpernel Starts Classic Campaign

Mahmood Al Zarooni believes Pimpernel will benefit from the drop back in distance in what promises to be another informative renewal of the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket on Wednesday.

The Godolphin trainer enjoyed a spectacular campaign in 2011, saddling Blue Bunting to win the 1000 Guineas and Irish Oaks, while he also struck at Group One level with Rewilding and Lyric Of Light.

He has enjoyed a terrific start to this year, winning last month's Dubai World Cup with Monterosso, and he is now looking forward to saddling his first major runners of the new season in Britain.

Pimpernel won four times during her juvenile year and ran well twice in Dubai last month, chasing home esteemed stablemate Gamilati in the UAE 1000 Guineas before placing fifth in the UAE Oaks.

"Pimpernel is in good form. She ran twice in Dubai and ran well, but I think coming back to seven furlongs will suit her better," said Al Zarooni.

"She is in good form and working well and I hope she can run a good race. If she can perform well, the 1000 Guineas would be a possibility for her."

Al Zarooni also saddles the Mickael Barzalona-ridden Minidress, although he feels she will not come into her own until tackling longer trips.

"She is filly who will want further, but we are starting off over seven furlongs to see how she performs," the trainer added.

"She won on her debut last year before finishing fourth in a Group Three. She is a classy filly, but I think she is a mile-and-a-half filly really.

"Like Pimpernel, if she can perform well, then she could be a possible for the 1000 Guineas also."

Cheveley Park Stud put two of their potential classic fillies to the test when Starscope and Regal Realm line up for the Nell Gwyn.

John Gosden's Starscope ran out an impressive winner on her course and distance debut last October, while Regal Realm, trained by Jeremy Noseda, won the G3 Prestige Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

"Starscope couldn't have done it any easier first time out and it was a bit of a surprise at the time as she was one of those who had shown enough at home to suggest she could run well, but showed a lot more on the track," said Cheveley Park managing director Chris Richardson.

"She has only had the one run so I think she will learn a lot from the experience of running in a race like this.

"With Regal Realm it is a question of whether she's trained on. She's in good form and Jeremy is happy with her at home, but she hasn't grown a lot during the winter and we're running here to find out where we stand with her.

On Thursday the focus will be on Most Improved facing 12 rivals as he sets out on the classic path in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket.

Brian Meehan's charge finished a narrow third in the G1 Dewhurst Stakes last year and is the general second favourite behind Camelot for the 2000 Guineas.

He will be ridden by Kieren Fallon with the former champion jockey already committed to ride in the Guineas.

Charles Hills fields recent Lingfield winner Forgotten Hero while Richard Hannon has declared three headed by Champagne Stakes winner Trumpet Major.


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