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Opinions on Theory Leaves Layers Divided
02/09/10

The victory of the Brian Meehan-trained Theyskens' Theory in the Group 3 Chichester Observer Prestige Stakes at Goodwood has left the betting firms taking starkly different opinions as to the juvenile's chances of landing next season's 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, writes Elliot Slater.

Following her gutsy length-and-a-quarter defeat of Cochamba on soft ground, the Bernardini filly was immediately slashed to 8/1 second favourite with racing tips for today in the ante-post list by both Victor Chandler and Coral, whilst at the other end of the spectrum, some layers left her unchanged at 16/1 and Skybet are a standout 20/1 at the time of writing.

In recent years the seven furlong contest has thrown up some smart winners with the likes of Fantasia, Gossamer and Nannina all going on to prove high-class performers. Last year's third placed finisher was Snow Fairy who of course has won both the Epsom and the Irish Oaks this season.

Both Meehan and winning jockey Martin Dwyer seemed very impressed with the performance, Dwyer in particular enthusing about how the filly quickened again when the runner-up came to join her at the furlong pole. A half-sister to the 2005 Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Stevie Wonderboy, Theyskens' Theory, a $250,000 dollar purchase at last year's Saratoga Yearling Sales had previously won her maiden at Newmarket in taking fashion easily brushing aside subsequent Doncaster winner Blue Bunting by five lengths.

Meehan specifically mentioned the Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile at Ascot on September 25 as the next target for Theyskens' Theory, after which she will most likely be put away for the winter before being prepared for a crack at the 100 Guineas at Newmarket in early May next year.