The 3.35 at Newmarket looks a strong renewal of the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes, and it brings together a mix of proven juvenile form, unexposed spring fillies and a few whose pedigrees suggest there is more to come over this straight 7f.

The key starting point is that this is not just a race about raw ability. It is a 7f test on the Rowley Mile, on good ground, and the likely shape of the race matters. Timeform has flagged a very strong pace, which could make life harder for those who want to race prominently and bring the more measured or stronger-staying types into it late.

Act Of Kindness sets the standard among the unexposed fillies

Act Of Kindness has the profile of a filly who could easily take a big step forward at three. She has only had two runs, both over course and distance, and improved from a promising debut third to win her maiden next time. The pedigree is strong, the family is deep, and she looks exactly the sort of filly Charlie Appleby often excels with in these spring Pattern races.

The main point in her favour is that she still looks like a work in progress. She has shown ability without being the finished article, and that gives her obvious upside. There is no great mystery with her: she is a major player and the market knows it.

Mubasimah has one of the strongest race-specific profiles

Mubasimah appeals as one of the most solid race fits in the field. She has already won over course and distance and then ran a very good second in the Oh So Sharp Stakes, again over this track and trip. That matters. Newmarket’s straight 7f is not a generic 7f and proven effectiveness here is a genuine asset.

Pedigree-wise, she looks made for this sort of contest. She has enough class, enough pace and enough scope to improve again at three. She is not just a filly with good autumn form; she is one whose profile still suggests there is more to come. If she gets into a good rhythm, she has every chance of being there late.

Beautify brings the strongest Group form

If you want the filly with the strongest established Group form, it is probably Beautify. She won a Group 2 at the Curragh and was then second in the Moyglare, which is standout form in this field. On bare ability, she is right near the top of the pile.

The question is whether this race sets up ideally for her. The strong pace forecast is not an automatic negative, but if she gets involved too early it could leave her vulnerable late on. That does not make her opposable on class, only slightly less attractive as a betting angle than she first appears.

Inis Mor is solid, but this may be more about setup than pedigree

Inis Mor is unbeaten in Britain and ran well when second in a valuable race at Longchamp on her final start at two. She is clearly useful and entitled to improve again.

The interesting point with her is that she looks a filly who may want a bit further in time. Under normal circumstances that might make this 7f slightly sharp, but with a strong pace likely she could be one of the runners best placed to benefit. She makes plenty of sense as a contender, even if she does not scream “perfect Nell Gwyn type” on pedigree alone.

Asmeralda is the unknown improver

Asmeralda is lightly raced and brings the sort of profile that can be dangerous in this race. She won on debut at Kempton over 7f and did it in the style of a filly who would improve for the experience. John and Thady Gosden know exactly what is required in this contest and she is one of the few in the line-up who could easily be much better than the market currently assumes.

She lacks the depth of form of some of the principals, but that is also the point. She does not need to have shown her full hand yet. Among the less exposed fillies, she is one to take seriously.

Fitzella looks overpriced

The value angle in the race is Fitzella. She has already shown she belongs in decent company, having won a Group 3 at Ascot and then finished second over 7f in France before running respectably in the Cheveley Park. She is not arriving out of nowhere.

What makes her interesting is that her price still suggests she is a second-tier player, yet there is a fair argument that this race suits her better than it does some of those shorter in the betting. She has form, she has tactical pace, and she has enough substance in her profile to suggest she should not be dismissed as an outsider.

America Queen has ability, but this is a different test

America Queen brings strong 6f juvenile form, having run well in both the Lowther and the Cheveley Park. That gives her a clear form chance, but this first try at 7f asks a different question.

She may stay it perfectly well, and Richard Hughes clearly thinks there is more to come, but she still has more to prove than some of the others around her in the market. She is respected, though not especially appealing as a value play.

The rest need plenty

Awaken is not without hope and has bits of smart juvenile form, particularly her Rockfel fourth, but she needs to find more than the principals.
Azleet has shaped better than the market suggests in some races, though this is a stiffer task again.
Golden Palace is another with a bit of ability, but probably needs others to underperform.
Silenciosa, Harlequin Breeze and Cherry Baker all look up against it on what they have shown so far.

Key points

This looks a race where the obvious contenders are obvious for good reason, but there are still angles.

Act Of Kindness has the profile of a filly who could improve into a very smart one.
Mubasimah is rock-solid on track, trip and profile.
Beautify brings the best established Group form.
Inis Mor may be helped by the likely strong pace.
Asmeralda is the unknown improver.
Fitzella looks the most interesting at the prices.

Verdict

If the race is run strongly, as expected, it could reward a filly who settles, travels and finishes.

Act Of Kindness makes obvious appeal.
Mubasimah looks the most reliable race-fit contender.
Beautify is the class angle.
But Fitzella is the one who stands out most as overpriced.

Best betting angle: Fitzella

Most likely winner: Act Of Kindness

Solid each-way type: Mubasimah

Dark horse: Asmeralda