Carla raises Cecil's hopes for Classics

A record-breaking performance by Henry Cecil's filly Lady Carla at Leicester yesterday put her into contention for Classic success next year. She runs in the colours of Wafic Said, who also owns the Cecil-trained Bosra Sham, favourite for next year's 1000 Guineas.

Lady Carla was having in her first race yesterday, but stretched clear in the closing stages of the Hoby Maiden Stakes to win by four lengths from General Macarthur in 1 min 34.5sec, nearly one and a half seconds faster than the previous record for a two-year-old over a mile at Leicester. Fast groung and a strong tailwind certainly helped.

Pat Eddery, who rode her yesterday, said: "I know Mr Cecil likes her a lot and I think she could be an Oaks filly next year, whereas Bosra Sham is a speed filly."