No Nay Never Filly Peaks In Cheveley Park Stakes
Alcohol Free (2f No Nay Never - Plying, by Hard Spun) gave connections great cause for celebration when capturing the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.
Successful on debut and subsequently second at Group 3 level, the Andrew Balding-trained filly was reunited with Oisin Murphy for her third attempt over six furlongs. The bay raced prominently, leading over four furlongs from home and was ridden approaching the final furlong. Running on well, she dug deep to hold off Lowther Stakes heroine Miss Amulet by half a length on the line.
Speaking after the race, a delighted Oisin Murphy said, “She's a super filly. She's a Group 1 winner now and certainly fits into the 1,000 Guineas category as she hits the line well and also relaxes.”
Trained by Andrew Balding for Jeff Smith of Littleton Stud, Alcohol Free was bred by Churchtown House Stud. The half-sister to Listed winner Alexander James (Camelot) provides an exciting update for her Starspangledbanner half-sister catalogued in the upcoming Goffs Orby Sale.
Alcohol Free becomes a third individual Group 1 winner by No Nay Never, while earlier this month, 2,000 Guineas second Wichita (No Nay Never) returned to winning ways in the Group 2 Park Stakes.