3 minute read
David Wachman says the "signs are good" for Legatissimo as she bids to round off a memorable campaign with victory in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
Winner of the 1000 Guineas, the Nassau and the Matron Stakes, she returns steps back up in distance at Keeneland.
And while underfoot conditions will not be ideal, Wachman is hopeful a long campaign has not caught up with his stable star.
He said: "The filly seems OK. We haven't done a lot with her since she arrived, just gentle exercise, but she seems well.
"You never really know at this time of year, especially with fillies, but the signs are good.
"We'd like the ground a bit better - it's slow enough at the moment, probably yielding to soft.
"It still has time to dry out and it might be closer to yielding come Saturday, but we'll see."
Legatissimo perhaps has most to fear from two fellow European challengers, with Ralph Beckett's Secret Gesture and the Andre Fabre-trained Miss France both worthy opponents.
Secret Gesture, only two lengths behind Legatissimo in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh in June, was last seen suffering a controversial disqualification after passing the post in front in the Beverly D Stakes at Arlington Park.
"I'd be happy if it kept on raining," Beckett told At The Races.
"It's a long run to the first bend so I wouldn't be worried about the draw (12). We knew she stays well and we'll ride her positively and go from there.
"She still thinks she won the Beverly D.
"She comes here in good nick. We were quite keen on running her in the Flower Bowl, but we had a small blip then and that ruled out the EP Taylor as well.
"The formbook says she goes very well fresh so I have no concerns. She travelled well and looks good. We're looking forward to it.
"Whatever beats Legatissimo will win, in my view, so let's hope it's us."
Last year's 1000 Guineas heroine Miss France has made just two appearances this season, filling the runner-up spot at Longchamp on both occasions.
Fabre said: " She has questionable form because she got beat in her last two races.
"She was not short of work but of racing stamina as she had been off for a long time.
"Hopefully she is on the upgrade and the extra distance will suit her very well. "
Freddy Head's Queen's Jewel also represents France.
Roger Varian's Talmada scraped into the field following the defection of another intended French challenger in Bawina.
The Newmarket handler told www.varianstable.com: " It is a shame for connections of Bawina but we are delighted that Talmada will get a run.
"She has thrived since her run in the EP Taylor and goes there in great shape.
"It is a competitive race but I think she will run very well."
