Musical Times emerged as the leading contender for next year’s 1,000 Guineas following a dominant victory in the Betfred May Hill Stakes at Doncaster. The filly, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, entered the race undefeated after wins at Newmarket and Yarmouth. Demonstrating a commanding turn of foot, Musical Times pulled clear of her competition in the final furlong, winning by seven and a half lengths over runner-up Scommessa Sicura.

Musical Times is a daughter of Lope De Vega and improved on her mother Dubai Fountain’s performance in the same contest; Dubai Fountain had finished second in the Group Two event. In response to her impressive display, bookmakers William Hill shortened her odds dramatically, making her the 6-1 favorite for the 2024 Betfred 1,000 Guineas, down from 25-1, and set her as the 7-4 favorite for the bet365 Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket on October 9.

Trainer Appleby, who has achieved six wins from nine September runners this season, confirmed the filly’s next target remains the Fillies’ Mile. He noted that Musical Times adapted well to the softer ground at Doncaster but should handle quicker surfaces expected at Newmarket and in next spring’s Guineas. Appleby drew a comparison with Desert Flower, another of his trainees who won the May Hill Stakes in the past and later secured the 1,000 Guineas. He suggested Musical Times may possess even greater potential as a Guineas contender.

In a separate event, Waardah secured victory in the Group Two Betfred Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes under jockey Callum Rodriguez, with trainer Owen Burrows indicating the filly favors firmer ground, which has limited her racing appearances this season. Burrows outlined plans for Waardah to contest the Prix de Royallieu in France during Arc weekend. Depending on her performance there, connections will consider entering her in the Group One Fillies and Mares Stakes on British Champions Day at Ascot.