Shale and Pretty Gorgeous face off again at Newmarket
Exciting Indigo Girl leads home defence in Fillies’ Mile.
Donnacha and Joseph O’Brien are both looking forward to a fourth clash between Shale and Pretty Gorgeous in the bet365 Fillies’ Mile. Shale gave younger brother Donnacha the bragging rights when showing Pretty Gorgeous the way home in the Silver Flash at Leopardstown in early August, before the latter comprehensively gained her revenge in the Debutante Stakes at the Curragh a couple of weeks later. Shale came out on top by three-quarters of a length when the pair met for the trilogy in last month’s Moyglare Stud Stakes, and her trainer is hoping she can double her Group One tally at Newmarket on Friday. He said: “The ground is probably going to be a bit softer than ideal, but she’s in good form and we’re hoping for a big run. “There’s not a lot between our filly and Joseph’s, obviously. I think the step up in trip is going to suit my one, so it will be good fun watching them run against each other and I’m sure it will be another good race. “There’s some other smart fillies in the race and it will be interesting to see how the Irish and English form lines stack up.” Pretty Gorgeous had been due to contest the Prix Marcel Boussac at ParisLongchamp, but was declared a non-runner after all horses trained by the O’Brien family were withdrawn from their races on Arc day due to issues surrounding contaminated feed. Her trainer said: “She’s in good shape. It looks a very good race and we’re looking forward to seeing her run. “We’re obviously meeting Donnacha’s filly again and it will be interesting to see how it goes. “It’s probably not the ideal preparation after last weekend, but we’re hoping for a good run. “She has handled a bit of juice in the ground.” Aidan O’Brien saddles a couple of outsiders in Mother Earth and Snowfall, while the home team is headed by the unbeaten Indigo Girl, who bids to provide John Gosden with a fifth Fillies’ Mile success. Impressive on her racecourse debut at Yarmouth, Indigo Girl successfully graduated to Group Two class less than a fortnight later in the May Hill Stakes at Doncaster. Indigo Girl is reopposed by the second, third and fourth from the May Hill in Dubai Fountain (Mark Johnston), Zabeel Queen (Roger Varian) and Lilac Road (William Haggas). Isabella Giles has won four of her five starts for Clive Cox and earned her step up to the Group One level by winning the Group Two Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket a fortnight ago. “She’s been a very pleasing filly and has enjoyed easy ground, which she’s likely to get on Friday,” said Cox. “We’re obviously stepping up to a mile, but she’s come out of the Rockfel so well and we’re pleased she’s taking this step. “It’s a strong race, but we’re looking forward to it.” Seattle Rock (Sylvester Kirk) and Star Of Emaraaty (Kevin Ryan) complete the 11-strong field.Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Burke eyeing up York date for sprint duo
Spycatcher and Marshman could both be heading to the Knavesmire next.
-
Deira Mile enhances Derby prospects with Windsor win
‘He is still green but Jim Crowley said the further he goes, the better he will be.’
-
Azure Blue camp eyeing York return for comeback spin
Michael Dods: ‘She’s working nicely and she looks great at the moment.’
-
Commonwealth Cup now the big target for Relief Rally
William Haggas convinced filly didn’t stay seven furlongs in Fred Darling.
-
O’Brien Epsom raider has Rock-solid form credentials
Group-placed son of Galileo sets the standard in Betfred Blue Riband Trial.
-
Team Mullins already plotting another title challenge if successful
The Closutton camp added a rather modest £4,356.80 to their tally on Monday to build up a sizeable lead over Dan Skelton and Paul Nicholls.
-
Burrows pencils in early summer return for Alflaila
‘It all depends how the next few weeks go, but he looks as well as ever, he’s filled out and strengthened up again.
-
El Fabiolo and Gaelic Warrior among Mullins Sandown entries
Mouth-watering clash with Jonbon on the cards in bet365 Celebration Chase.
-
Nicholls gives credit to Mullins – and sympathy to Skelton
Irish maestro looks set to wrap up jump trainers’ championship this week.
-
Porta Fortuna on course for 1000 Guineas
Filly won the Cheveley Park and was second at Breeders’ Cup.