Speciosa struck a classic blow for the smaller yards here on Sunday as she landed the English 1000 Guineas.
Trained by 63-year-old Pam Sly - normally associated with steeplechasers and slow flat horses and with just 20 in her yard - the 10/1 shot virtually led from start to finish under journeyman jockey Mickey Fenton to take the 187,000 pounds first prize.
Speciosa - whose name translates as Beautiful One - led home Confidential Lady, the 12/1 outsider giving veteran handler Sir Mark Prescott a thrilling show in what was his first ever runner in a classic while the Richard Hannon-trained Nasheej filled third spot at 16/1.
"This is just marvellous!" beamed Sly, who co-owns the winner with her son Michael and a doctor, Tom Davies.
"This says to the little people don't give up, you can do it.
"I am overawed really."
There was little joy for Aidan O'Brien and Kieren Fallon as their bid to do the Guineas double - George Washington having landed the 2000 Guineas on Saturday - as 3/1 favourite Rumplestiltskin never figured and came in among the also rans.
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