How good is Statuette? Leading 1,000 Guineas fancy out to enhance her reputation

Sunday: 2.10 Curragh
Airlie Stud Stakes (Group 2) | 6f | 2yo | RTE1/RTV

Ryan Moore heaped praise on Statuette after she made a striking winning debut at Navan last month, describing her as a "lovely, big filly with an incredible pedigree who was a standout physically".

The imposing daughter of Justify won by three lengths but she was six clear in another 50 yards and Moore had a job pulling her. It was very easy on the eye.

The Albany was originally the plan but stablemate Meditate won that as Aidan O'Brien was keen to give Statuette more time after Navan due to her size.

This will tell us a lot more about Statuette but on first impressions she appears to be one of the best juvenile fillies we've seen this season. She is no bigger than 14-1 for next year's 1,000 Guineas and that price could plummet with victory here.

There is a direct line of form with the Ger Lyons-trained Zarinsk. Statuette beat Olivia Maralda by three lengths, while the Juddmonte-owned filly managed to get the job done by only a neck at the Curragh.

Aidan O'Brien: trainer of StatuetteCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Matilda Picotte displayed blistering early speed when winning on her debut over this course and distance, but she did too much too soon next time at Naas in a Group 3.

It was only in the final 100 yards that Meditate swallowed her up and we all know how that form has worked out. The cheekpieces come off for this and if she saves enough for the business end of the race, she could prove to be Statuette's biggest threat. She'll certainly give the favourite something to aim at.

It's Showtime Baby was ahead of Matilda Picotte at Naas and Jessica Harrington won this in 2019 with Albigna, while Fozzy Stack, who sprang a 33-1 shock in 2020 with Aloha Star, is represented by course-and-distance winner Papilio.

The form of that maiden has worked out as the runner-up won next time at Fairyhouse and was considered good enough to run in the Railway.

What they say

Donnacha O'Brien, trainer of Badb
She's in good form since she won at Cork. We're hoping the Curragh doesn't get too much rain as she's better on nice ground. I think she's a smart filly and she'll run a big race if the ground stays dry.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of It's Showtime Baby
She's a nice filly who ran well at Naas and wasn't beaten far. This looks a hot race with Statuette in there, but hopefully she can run a nice race.

Kieran Cotter, trainer of Matilda Picotte
She's in super form and I do think this track will suit her better than Naas did. We're taking the cheekpieces off in the hope she won't be as keen. She'll love that the rain has arrived and I'm very hopeful of a big run.

Fozzy Stack, trainer of Papilio
She's a nice filly and this will tell us where she slots in. She's in good shape but it's a very good race.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Statuette
We were very happy with her at Navan on her first start. Hopefully, this is a nice next step for her. She looks very exciting at home. She's a daughter of Justify and has all what he had; a big stride and she travels and quickens. We're looking forward to her.

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