Fallon stands by decision to steer Seta

1000 GUINEAS AT NEWMARKET:KIEREN FALLON'S decision to ride Seta in the 1000 Guineas was a consequence of her sparkling homework. The six-times champion jockey has elected to partner Luca Cumani's filly in preference to Music Show, the impressive Nell Gwyn winner who will be ridden by Ryan Moore.

Fallon, chasing a fifth triumph in the 1000 Guineas, said: “She looks like she is filling her frame and the way she has gone away from her lead horses is a tell-tale sign for me.

“I had to make a tough decision last week on which filly to ride and I hope that I have got it right. But with the way Seta has been working at home, I had to stay with her.”

Despite Fallon’s confidence in Seta, the jockey is hoping conditions are not too fast.

He added: “I hope the ground is not too firm as it can get very firm at Newmarket. She is a big filly and I hope that it rains between now and Sunday.”

Special Duty spearheads 23 confirmations for Sunday’s Classic.

The Criquette Head-Maarek-trained filly has been the ante-post favourite since her brilliant Cheveley Park success last October.

Although she was defeated upon her return at Maisons-Laffitte, Head-Maarek will be striving for a fourth success in the fillies’ Classic. Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for owner Khalid Abdullah, said: “It was difficult when she got beat on her comeback as that was not the result we would have liked.

“She did a super piece of work last Tuesday over a mile with three lead horses. You have to have a bit of speed to win the Guineas, which she has. She’s never been a big scopey sort, but she has filled out.”

Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum could be double-handed in his pursuit of back-to-back 1000 Guineas victories.

The powerful owner struck 12 months ago with Ghanaati, and is this year responsible for the unbeaten Rumoush, trained by Marcus Tregoning, and Habaayib.

Angus Gold, racing manager for Sheikh Hamdan, said of the former: “The filly won the Feilden Stakes, after which Sheikh Hamdan went home and watched the video.

“Our first thoughts were to run in the Oaks or a trial for the Oaks. Sheikh Hamdan spoke to Marcus and he also felt it’s no guarantee she’ll stay a mile and a half.

“She was impressive in her trial so we decided to go for the Guineas.”

Irish interest revolves around Jim Bolger’s trio – Atasari, Gile Na Greine and Gold Bubbles – and the Aidan O’Brien-trained Devoted To You, Famous and You’ll Be Mine.