Nicholls is optimistic that Maw Law will handle the step-up in distance

Trainer Adrian Nicholls is confident that Maw Law will handle the step-up in distance in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket on Friday. The filly, sired by Acclamation, finished third at 50-1 in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot over five furlongs. Now, she is set to tackle six furlongs for the first time at Headquarters.

Maw Lam began her racing career with a win in May at Thirsk, despite a slow start. She followed this up with a second-place finish in the Hilary Needler at Beverley, showing a tendency to break slowly but still running well. In the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot, she again demonstrated her slow start but ran a strong race to secure some black type.

Moving forward, Nicholls is optimistic about her chances over the longer distance at Newmarket. He mentioned potential targets at the Ebor Festival and entries in valuable sales races at York and Doncaster later in the season. Owner Chris Hirst's long-term plan includes gaining black type and maximising earnings in sales races. The Lowther Stakes during the Ebor Festival is also a target for Maw Law.