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Runaway Ascot winner Nyaleti sparks Classic dream for Mark Johnston

3 minute read

Mark Johnston will consider his next move with Nyaleti after she produced a devastating display in the Princess Margaret Juddmonte Stakes at Ascot.

Runner-up on her two previous starts in smart company after making a successful debut, Johnston's filly scooted away from her rivals in the hands of Ryan Moore after stablemate Rebel Assault led her in the early stages.

Dance Diva stayed on but never threatened to get in a blow at the 2-1 favourite, who took Group Three honours by five lengths.

Moore said: "She kept on building all the way to the line, she was very impressive.

"She's been beaten by two good fillies (September and Clemmie, both trained by Aidan O'Brien), but this filly may have put up an improved performance today."

Nyaleti was given a quote of 25-1 for the Qipco 1000 Guineas with Paddy Power.

Johnston said: "It's always hard to tell how form compares when there is nothing she has met before.

"Ryan has never ridden her before, but got off and said he thought that was an improved performance based on having beaten her twice.

"My gut feeling is it is a significantly improved performance as well. I was so impressed with how she had everything at it with a quarter of a mile to go.

"Rebel Assault led them a fair old pace and has probably run as good a race as she has ever run, but it was the way Nyaleti could coast at that pace and go on.

"There was concerns about the ground and the trip in that perhaps she is better over further. Ryan did say he would rather ride over a mile than six again and that seven would be ideal. He said she would get a mile before the end of the season.

"The Lowther (at York, August 24) is not out of the question, but we will take heed at what he said for sure."

Asked about the Guineas, Johnston said: "Anything of her type, a Group-winning two-year-old, you have to be thinking of the Guineas, and I was thinking that before today, even though she wasn't a Group winner then.

"We do dream she is in that class."

Connections of the Richard Fahey-trained Dance Diva indicated they, too, could go to the Lowther next.

"To be honest, we are very happy. We think we have run into one," said Chris Richardson, racing manager for owners Cheveley Park Stud.

"She handled the ground well. She is a nice filly and we are pleased with where she has finished.

"I still think she is a bit green. She had her ears pricked and is still mentally immature. She was a little bit on her toes in the parade ring and didn't want to go under the arch. We could possibly go for the Lowther."


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