SHE might be a Group One winner, but Karl Burke still thinks his QIPCO 1,000 Guineas contender, Laurens, is flying under the radar ahead of Sunday’s Classic.

Laurens improved throughout her juvenile season, following up a win in the Group Two May Hill Stakes at Doncaster with a gutsy success in the Group One Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket in September.

The daughter of French stallion Siyouni held off the fast-finishing September in the autumn, yet her Aidan O’Brien-trained rival was touted as a much stronger Guineas contender before she was withdrawn at the start of the week.

Two O’Brien fillies – Happily and I Can Fly – continue to top the market though, with Laurens generally available at around 10-1, and Burke cannot understand the disparity in prices.

Geography is probably a factor, along with the perceived reputation of the trainer in charge. If Laurens was based at Ballydoyle or Newmarket, she would almost certainly not be a double-figure price.

“I think she’s got a big chance,” said Burke. “Her two-year-old form was very good and if anything I think she has improved on that. She’s a well-balanced filly for one who is so big and who has such a massive stride.

“I think she’s just gone under the radar a little bit. We analysed the times of that Group One. Everyone said September was unlucky and she was slightly impeded but they said she was quickening at the finish and it wasn’t that – Laurens was slowing down and that was just weakness.”

Burke has never won a Classic, although he came close when Dante winner Libertarian finished second in the Investec Derby behind Ruler Of The World.

He would dearly love to go one better on Sunday, but is mindful of the need to protect Laurens ahead of what could be a lengthy three-year-old campaign.

“It would be fantastic to have a British Classic on the CV,” he said. “The best day I had in racing was when we sent Libertarian to the Investec Derby and he finished second. The whole event was fantastic. If we could go one better on Sunday in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas, it’s going to be an amazing day.”