Start of Newmarket Craven Meeting with Nell Gwyn Stakes

For many fans, the flat season proper does not begin until the start of Newmarket´s Craven meeting and today´s card of 8 races (7 for 3yo´s and one for 2yo´s) fulfils all expectations. The main feature is the Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes for 3yo fillies over 7 furlongs at 17.10 CET, in which Fantasia (Luca Cumani/ Frankie Dettori) is likely to start a hot favourite. She won her first two starts last season in excellent style before running up to the ultrasmart Rainbow View, who is expected to work on the track before racing today. After that race Fantasia was bought by Rainbow View´s owner George Strawbridge and it seems she is to be aimed at the French 1,000 Guineas rather than the Newmarket version, for which Rainbow View is clear ante-post favourite. On form and ratings Fantasia should win this easily, with Wajaina (John Gosden/ Richard Hills) possibly next best, but Kaabari (Clive Brittain/ Jimmy Fortune) could be an interesting each-way bet; Brittain has his string in good f orm and likes nothing better than to take aim at the top favourites in races like this, and Kaabari´s dam won this at 33-1.