News Nathra in French Guineas frame

Nathra in French Guineas frame

racing

Nathra is on course for her second Classic appearance in next week's Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at Deauville.

John Gosden's filly finished fifth in last Sunday's 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, chasing home the Aidan O'Brien-trained front three, with Mark Johnston's Fireglow in fourth.

Connections of the Nell Gwyn winner are now keen to avoid clashing with the first two, Minding and Ballydoyle, in the near future.

"I thought it was a good run, but obviously she wasn't as good as the first three on the day," said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah.

"We'd maybe look at meeting the third horse (Alice Springs) again, but the first two look very good.

"We're not making excuses but I think she'd definitely prefer more cut in the ground which may help her close the gap.

"The plan at the moment is to run in the French Guineas. She's come out of it in good shape, but of course there is still 10 days to go.

"After that we might have a look at the Coronation Stakes and then you're looking at taking on the older fillies and maybe dropping down in class.

"If we can, we'll be looking to avoid the first two, though."