The excitement is building for the Betfred 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket this Sunday, May 4, 2025, as the final field has been declared for what promises to be a thrilling clash of the season's top fillies. Headlining the event are two unbeaten stars, Desert Flower and Lake Victoria, both of whom have made headlines with their impressive performances last year.
Desert Flower, trained by Charlie Appleby, has emerged as the red-hot favorite for the Classic after a stellar juvenile campaign. The Godolphin filly culminated her year with a dazzling five-and-a-half-length victory in the Fillies’ Mile over the same course and distance as the upcoming race. With William Buick set to ride, Desert Flower is looking to secure her trainer and jockey's first victory in the 1,000 Guineas.
“Desert Flower is set to go off as a red-hot favourite to win the 1,000 Guineas,” said Coral's John Hill. “The unbeaten Godolphin filly has yet to put a foot wrong in her career, and she has been well backed to become a British Classic winner.” Currently, Coral has her odds at 10-11, reflecting the confidence in her abilities.
However, standing in her way is Aidan O'Brien's Lake Victoria, who also boasts an impressive record. The Frankel filly has not only won the Moyglare Stud Stakes but also triumphed in the Cheveley Park Stakes and the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies’ Turf, showcasing her versatility and skill on the track. Despite earlier doubts about her readiness for the race, O'Brien has confirmed that Lake Victoria will be his only representative in the 1,000 Guineas.
“When you get bumped around like that it’s very hard for a horse to do what she did at the end of a race,” said Ryan Moore, who will ride Lake Victoria. Her odds are currently set at 11-4, making her the general second favorite.
The competition doesn't end there. Duty First, who made headlines with her unexpected 33-1 victory in the Fred Darling Stakes, will also be in the mix. Ridden by Hollie Doyle, she is looking for her first British Classic win. “I’m really excited about Duty First’s chances,” said her trainer Archie Watson. “She’s shown tremendous potential.”
Ger Lyons will field Red Letter as his only runner. Red Letter finished just over a length behind Lake Victoria in the Moyglare Stud Stakes, and with her experience, she could pose a significant threat. Her current odds are set at 5.
Ollie Sangster is double-handed in this race, entering both Simmering, who was second to Lake Victoria in the Moyglare, and Flight. Simmering's track record suggests she could be a dark horse in this contest, while Flight is looking to build on her promising debut.
Completing the lineup are Chantilly Lace, Elwateen, Hey Boo, and Remaat, making for a competitive field of ten fillies ready to battle it out for the prestigious title.
As anticipation builds for the race, all eyes will be on Desert Flower and Lake Victoria. Can Desert Flower maintain her unbeaten streak, or will Lake Victoria prove to be the stronger contender? With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the 1,000 Guineas is set to be a highlight of the racing calendar.
Fans and punters alike are eagerly awaiting the race, which will kick off at 3:35 PM on Sunday. Will it be a day of glory for Godolphin, or will Aidan O'Brien’s Lake Victoria steal the show? Only time will tell as the fillies prepare to make their mark in this historic race.
