Fairy Cross second in G3 Nell Gwyn Stakes

Fairy Cross filled the runner-up spot behind an impressive winner for a second time this year as she went down by two and three-quarter lengths to Mammas Girl in the G3 Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket, UK, on Wednesday, 19 April.

Last season’s G3 Prestige Stakes winner, who came home a remote second behind Mawj in the Jumeirah Fillies Guineas at Meydan in February, was prominent throughout the seven-furlong contest and moved up to dispute the running at the halfway point.

Fairy Cross established a slender advantage down the centre of the course with a furlong and a half to race and found plenty for William Buick, seeing off a host of challenges to increase her lead entering the final furlong.

Mammas Girl flew home down the stands’ rail, collaring Fairy Cross inside the final half furlong before quickening away from the Dubawi homebred. Fairy Cross stayed on in the closing stages to finish half a length clear of third home Secret Angel.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “We were pleased with Fairy Cross and might look at the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches for her.”