Tuesday 20 January 2015 11:33, UK
Agnes Stewart is set to kick off her 2015 campaign at the highest level, with the Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket her planned starting point.
The Lawman filly claimed the May Hill Stakes at Doncaster last September for trainer Eddie Lynam but then had to give best to Together Forever in the Fillies' Mile at Newmarket on her final start.
Lynam reports his charge in fine form and does not think she will need a run before the May 2 Classic, although he is far from certain that mile trip will prove her optimum distance.
"Agnes Stewart has done well over the winter and strengthened up and the plan is to start her off in the 1000 Guineas," said the County Meath handler.
"She is easy-ish to get fit and I am quite confident that we will be able to get her to concert pitch for May 2."
"The big question with her is, will she need to step up to a mile and a quarter to be seen at her best?"
Lynam also has Anthem Alexander in the 1000 Guineas frame but last year's Queen Mary Stakes winner is more likely to be kept to sprint distances.
"Anthem Alexander has an entry in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and we'll just have to see about entering her for the Newmarket version," Lynam said.
"My gut feeling is that she is a sprinter, but we haven't completely ruled it out.
"If she did run in a Guineas she would probably have to run in a seven-furlong trial in Ireland beforehand, though she would have to carry a Group Two penalty.
"Like Agnes Stewart she has improved physically - she is a very big girl now."
Agnes Stewart is a general 20-1 chance for the Guineas, while her stablemate is available at odds of 25-1.
