There may have been a valid excuse for the shock defeat of Distant Music in the Lane's End Greenham Stakes at Newmarket on Tuesday, it emerged yesterday. Sent off at 8 to 13, last season's outstanding juvenile and winter favourite for the Sagitta 2,000 Guineas went down by a head to Barathea Guest in the Group Three contest.
However, his trainer, Barry Hills, said yesterday: "Distant Music returned from Newmarket and was found to be lame on his off-fore foot the following day." Meanwhile, Bintalreef burst into the picture for the Sagitta 1,000 Guineas after easily beating Teggiano in the second set of Godolphin Trials at Nad al Sheba racecourse in Dubai yesterday.
William Hill have cut the Diesis filly to 6 to 1 from 33 to 1 for the first fillies' Classic at Newmarket on May 7th after her four-and-a-half-length defeat of Teggiano over a mile on turf.
Godolphin could have a third strong 1,000 Guineas contender in Farrfesheena. She is now 20 to 1 from 33 to 1 after taking a fillies' trial over eight and a half furlongs on sand in the hands of Daragh O'Donohoe by a length and a quarter from Dignify.
Fath, ridden by Hills, staked his claims to represent Godolphin in the Sagitta 2,000 Guineas when beating Broche by a nose in the colts' trial.
Godolphin's Kentucky Derby hopeful China Visit showed his well being by coming home three-and-a-quarter lengths clear of Curule in an eight-runner trial for colts over eight and a half furlongs on sand.
Aristotle, the Racing Post Trophy winner, returns to action in the Group Two Prix Greffulhe at Longchamp tomorrow. Aidan O'Brien's colt is a 20 to 1 chance with William Hill for the Vodafone Derby.
O'Brien's Royal Kingdom takes his chance in the Group Three Prix de Fontainebleau over a mile on the same card.
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