Royal date looms for star filly Inspiral after Irish 1,000 Guineas bid ruled out

Inspiral will miss the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh and Coral Heron Stakes at Sandown this week, with connections now targeting the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The John and Thady Gosden-trained filly was ruled out of the 1,000 Guineas when ante-post favourite last month having missed some days of training at a critical stage of her preparation.

Coronation Stakes (Ascot, June 17): all entries and betting

Inspiral, who landed the Fillies' Mile on her final start at two, will now head straight to the royal meeting for the Group 1 contest on June 17, for which she was cut to 2-1 favourite (from 5-2) with Paddy Power.

Chris Richardson, managing director of owner-breeders Cheveley Park Stud, said: "John [Gosden] is happy with Inspiral but just feels the Irish 1,000 Guineas and Heron Stakes are coming a bit too soon. She's going to go straight to the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and will probably have a racecourse gallop in the lead-up.

Inspiral beat subsequent 1,000 Guineas one-two Cachet and Prosperous Voyage on her last startCredit: Edward Whitaker

“It’s a shame to miss the Classics with her but we have to listen to what she’s telling us and there’s plenty of time ahead. The Coronation has been good to us over the years and it’s one of Mrs Thompson’s favourite races, so it’s a nice target.

“Inspiral has wintered really well and is still furnishing and developing as she goes. Frankie [Dettori] was always saying last year that she felt weak and to have achieved what she has with that comment was most encouraging. She’s a smashing filly and has a fantastic mind – that’s one of her best attributes.

“There’s lots to look forward to with her and there’s plenty of opportunities going forward.”

1,000 Guineas heroine Russian Rhythm, Exclusive and Nannina are the owner-breeder's three previous winners of the Coronation Stakes, with the trio contesting the race having run in the Newmarket Classic.

Inspiral has yet to run at Ascot, winning a fillies' maiden at Newmarket's July course, the Listed Star Stakes at Sandown and the Group 2 May Hill Stakes at Doncaster prior to her breakthrough Group 1 triumph.

Twilight Calls (near): set for the Temple Stakes at HaydockCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Cheveley Park's red and white silks will be sported at the weekend by the Henry Candy-trained Twilight Calls, who is set to contest the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock (3.45) on Saturday.

Twilight Calls returned with a career-best effort on Racing Post Ratings when landing a 5f handicap at Newmarket and finished a close fifth on his first start in Group company in the Palace House Stakes over the same course and distance last time.

Richardson said: “He’s in good form and was a little unfortunate at Newmarket as he was carried left and away from the pace. Things didn’t quite go his way but he came out of the race fine and we’re rolling the dice again. He prefers quick ground so we’re hoping for that eventuality.”

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