Veteran trainer Clive Brittain confident Rizeena will raise the roof at Newmarket

The changing of the seasons is emphatic at Newmarket this weekend and there is even tonight’s Kentucky Derby to underline the shift in focus towards top-class flat racing although a victory for 80-year-old trainer Clive Brittain with Rizeena in tomorrow’s 1,000 Guineas could provoke a National Hunt reception.

Twice a 1,000 Guineas winner in the past with Sayyedati (1993) and Pebbles 30 years ago, the veteran trainer is characteristically bullish about Rizeena’s chance despite having to turn to Richard Hughes as a third-choice jockey.

James Doyle has been claimed for Frankel’s sister Joyeuse while Ryan Moore has opted for a late switch to Aidan O’Brien’s second-string, Bracelet. Tapestry chased home Rizeena in the Moyglare last season and appears to be the Ballydoyle number one.

“She’s a very easy filly to get fit. She came very quick after the Curragh (gallop) and she’s been well fit for the last couple of weeks,” said O’Brien, who has won the Classic twice before with Virginia Waters and Homecoming Queen.

Despite fillies with high reputations also coming from France for tomorrow’s race, nothing was shaking Brittain’s faith yesterday. “Rizeena proved last year that she was top class and shows all the signs she has improved from two to three, just as both Pebbles and Sayyedati did,” he said. “You always need luck but if you’ve got the best horse you’ll win.”

With 77-year-old Art Sherman aiming to become the oldest Kentucky Derby-winning trainer tonight with the favourite California Chrome, it could be a trans-Atlantic seniors classic weekend. Based in southern California, Sherman first travelled to the Derby in 1955 when leading up the winner Swaps as a stable lad and California Chrome is a clear favourite after an impressive Santa Anita Derby victory.