QUADRILATERAL beat them fair and square in the Group 1 Fillies' Mile - and is now the 5-1 favourite for next year’s 1,000 Guineas.
Roger Charlton launched the Prince Khalid Abdullah-owned daughter of Frankel into the highest level after impressive victories at Newbury on her first two starts.
For much of the Rowley Mile two-year-old test, the plan looked destined for failure as Jason Watson’s mount toiled behind the lead as the nine runners descended into the Dip over a furlong out.
But, switched towards the far rail, 9-4 market leader Quadrilateral motored up the hill to deny Powerful Breeze by a head.
“I had nearly turned away from the screen - I thought, ‘It’s just not happening,’” admitted Charlton.
“A long way from home, she was off the bridle and it seemed like the three or four in front of her were travelling really well.
“I thought, ‘Well, that’s it - she might plug on and be fourth of fifth.’
“She showed a lot of guts and determination. She was very brave.”
Paddy Power cut Quadrilateral to 5-1 at the head of the 1,000 Guineas market, while the Dublin firm offer 7-1 about the Hugo Palmer-trained runner-up.
“I would have thought the 1,000 Guineas would be natural for her,” added Charlton. “Whether she needs a run before the Guineas we’ll have to wait and see.
“She learned a lot today and running into the Dip is helpful.”
The victory was a first in a domestic Group 1 of Watson’s going-places career.
The jockey, in his first season as Charlton’s stable jockey, said: “She’s such a warrior - she’s unbelievable.
“It got a little nerve-wracking there - I just had to believe in her.
“I was a bit worried the door was going to get shut on me on the rail but luckily we managed to get through in time and, once we were upsides Mr Palmer’s horse, I knew she would battle on by.”
