Special one may find it hard to lord it over Seta in the Guineas

Special Duty is favourite for the StanJames.com 1,000 Guineas but will find it difficult to beat Seta at Newmarket on Sunday, according to connections.

The three-year-old was beaten on her return to action this year in the Prix Imprudence but came through her final gallop with flying colours yesterday.

Lord Grimthorpe, Khalid Abdulla's racing manager, said: "Is she the one to beat? There are a lot of horses at this stage of the year that no-one has got a full handle on.

"Horses like Seta are relatively unknown but the way they are talking about her, it's obviously going to be difficult."

Lord Grimthorpe also played down concerns that Special Duty may not have enough stamina in her makeup to go the distance.

He said: "She did a mile with a lead horse and she went very well yesterday. It was a pleasing piece of work. She would have needed her first run and the ground was a bit sticky. The cold wind at Chantilly wouldn't have helped her.

"Special Duty steps up in trip on Sunday and while you never know until they try it, on pedigree she certainly has enough characteristics to say she will get a mile all right. She is by Hennessy, which provides plenty of speed.

"But on the dam's side it is stout - all the best horses in the pedigree are mile or mile-and-a-quarter horses - and she is a relaxed filly. Temperament has not been an issue."

Unlike her main market rival, the predicted fast ground will suit Special Duty. "It's not an issue. Hopefully it will be good, fast ground," added Lord Grimthorpe.

StanJames.com 1,000 Guineas (sponsor's odds): 7-2 Special Duty, 6 Seta, Music Show, 7 Runoush, 14 Pollenator, 16 Hibaayeb, 20 Puff, 25-1 bar.