3 minute read
Part-owner Ritchie Fiddes expects Royal Ascot runner-up Easton Angel to put up another bold show in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket on Friday.
Impressive displays at Musselburgh and Beverley prompted powerhouse owners Al Shaqab Racing to get involved prior to Easton Angel's Royal assignment, with Fiddes retaining a half-share.
It already looks a wise investment judged by her excellent effort in finishing second to imposing American Acapulco in the Queen Mary.
The Michael Dods-trained filly steps up to six furlongs on the July Course, but Fiddes is confident the extra distance will not be an issue.
He said: "We're very much looking forward to getting her back on the racecourse after what she did at Royal Ascot.
"She bumped into a freak that day but proved she can perform at Group level.
"The way she galloped past the line would suggest she should stay the six furlongs well.
"She looks to be well drawn and hopefully has every chance of running a big race. All her work has been good since Ascot.
"We always weigh our horses, and the race actually took very little out of her. Even straight after the race you'd hardly know she'd had a race.
"She is just a pleasure to own as she has such a great attitude and hopefully we can start looking at Group One targets if all goes well. I think the Cheveley Park Stakes will probably be her main target."
Easton Angel again crosses paths with Besharah and Kurland, third and fourth respectively in the Queen Mary for William Haggas and Martyn Meade.
Richard Hannon's Illuminate is a major contender, bidding to make it three from three following Royal Ascot glory in the Albany Stakes.
The champion trainer told www.richardhannonracing.co.uk: " Illuminate had only done one piece of fast work before she beat our subsequent Listed winner Great Page first time out at Salisbury so it came as something of a surprise, though she is a lovely filly with a pretty head and we have always liked her a lot.
"She can get a bit warm and it is imperative that Hughesie (Richard Hughes) can get her relaxed both in the race and during the preliminaries on what looks like being a hot day.
"He got her switched off at Ascot, but Wes Ward's filly (Laxfield Road) went so fast that Lochsong would have been able to switch off in that race, so I just hope that there is again plenty of pace on and that Hughesie can use her finishing kick to similar advantage.
"She looked a very smart filly at Ascot and hopefully she can prove here that she has what it takes to go on to races like the Lowther and the Cheveley Park."
Sixties Sue is the most experienced filly in the field, having already run six times for Mick Channon, albeit winning just the once.
Assistant trainer Michael Channon said: " It's a wildcard one. She ran really well in the Chesham. She was slung in there and wasn't beaten far by the Albany winner (Illuminate) on her debut, though I know that probably doesn't mean anything.
"She's there to pick up any pieces and her price will speak for itself."
Brian Meehan's Blue Bayou takes a significant step up in class following an impressive debut at Haydock a month ago, while F rankie Dettori takes the ride on Keith Dalgleish's Scottish challenger Glenrowan Rose.
The Mark Johnston-trained Rah Rah and Silk Bow from James Given's yard complete the line-up.
