Carson's dilemma

An impressive victory by Aqaarid in yesterday's Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury put Willie Carson in a quandary over which mount to choose in the 1,000 Guineas.

The 52-year-old Scotsman must decide between Harayir and Aqaarid after the latter enhanced her claims with an emphatic two and a half lengths win from Hoh Magic, with Autumn Affair a head third and Gay Gallanta a disappointing fifth.

Aqaarid's Guineas odds are down to a best-priced 7-1 while Harayir, who chased home Diffident in Wednesday's Free Handicap, was cut to 4-1 favourite by William Hill. Aqaarid is 10-1 joint favourite with Moonshell for the Oaks.

Carson's two previous victories for Hamdan Al-Maktoum in the Fred Darling led to classic success at Newmarket on Salsabil and Shadayid.

"Harayir ran a great trial for the Guineas and Aqaarid had to be something special for me to get off her. She's done something special here, so I've got a leg on each," Carson said.

"I'll take my time to weigh things up and hopefully I will come to the right conclusion. I think Hamdan will win the Guineas. Moonshell will have to be special to beat these two.''

Yesterday's results, page 47