Since 2012, five winners of the Morny have followed up here including three of the last four in Blackbeard (Ire) (No Nay Never), Perfect Power (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}) and Earthlight (Ire) (Shamardal), so the Crisfords' leading light has history on his side. Ed Crisford is keen to see if he can become the latest to do the tough double.

“It's a good field, as you'd expect for a race of this stature, but I'd say he goes in there with a favourite's chance,” he said. “It will be the first time he's encountered ground this fast, but he's a nice-moving colt by Havana Grey so that shouldn't be a problem.”

   Third in the Morny after his well-documented training troubles, Ballydoyle's TDN Rising Star River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is the obvious thorn in Vandeek's side now that he has a clear preparation for this highlight. He had a host of smart peers behind including Bucanero Fuerte (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in Royal Ascot's G2 Coventry S. on ground similar to the unseasonably fast conditions he encounters here and Ryan Moore is happy to tackle Vandeek again and another quintet of group winners including the G2 July S. hero Jasour (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) from the always-to-be-feared Clive Cox stable.

“He wasn't at peak fitness [for the Morny] and I thought he shaped very well in the circumstances,” Moore said of River Tiber, who represents the stable successful in three of the last six runnings. “I would expect him to get a lot closer to the winner here and I'd say we had a very fair shot at winning this group one. He's in good shape.”

Vandeek, in front, stretching his legs up Warren Hill ahead of his run in the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes at @NewmarketRace next weekend. @GrahamClark85 tells us more. @gainsboroughHQ

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 24, 2023

Relief Rally Poised For Cheveley Park Coronation

Whatever wins Newmarket's Cheveley Park S. will first have to see off Simon Munir and Isaac Souede's Relief Rally (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), whose sole defeat in five starts was as a result of coming out the wrong side of a head-bobber with Crimson Advocate (Nyquist) in the G2 Queen Mary S. at Royal Ascot. Having dealt with every European rival thrown at her so far, including Ballydoyle's Cherry Blossom (Ire) (No Nay Never) in York's G2 Lowther S. last month, the William Haggas trainee has some new contenders to front up to here but the willingness to fight is almost her forte.

Jockey Tom Marquand has faith that she can come through her most important bout to date. “She has taken big steps forward with each of her runs and she was unfortunate not to win at Ascot, but she has shown a high level of form,” he said. “I was really looking forward to riding her over six furlongs at York, as I thought it would suit her so well and she proved us right.”

One of the lesser-known rivals to Relief Rally is Wathnan Racing's Criterium d'Ete scorer Jasna's Secret (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), who saw off the smart yardstick Zorken (Fr) (Goken {Fr}) in that valuable Deauville prize and is entitled to due respect as a result. Whether Carlos and Yann Lerner's bargain €42,000 Arqana Deauville September purchase has the know-how to cope with some hardened opponents remains to be seen, with the G3 Albany S. scorer Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio) and the G3 Princess Margaret S. scorer Sacred Angel (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) boasting the touch of class necessary to win one of these.

Capulet Heads Strong Royal Lodge Cast

Newmarket's G2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge S. is one of the day's more intriguing contests, with Ballydoyle's G2 Champions Juvenile S. runner-up Capulet (Justify) taking on Godolphin's G3 Solario S. winner Aablan (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah's Listed Ascendant S. scorer Al Musmak (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). Another in the mix for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf qualifier is Jeff Smith's unbeaten Ghostwriter (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), the recent winner of a seven-furlong Ascot novice from which the impressive subsequent winner Military Artist (Munnings) emerged.

Ryan Moore said of Capulet, “He did it nicely on his debut at Dundalk last month and he obviously improved a good deal when running Diego Velazquez to half a length at Leopardstown last time. That form looked strong at the time and it looks even better now with the well-beaten fourth, Deepone, coming out and winning the Beresford next time. All of these have the potential to take a big step forward, most notably Ghostwriter maybe, but he deserves to be the favourite as it stands as the Leopardstown form is the best on offer going into the race.”

Clive Cox said of Ghostwriter, “His first success at Newmarket on the July course, and the way he was balanced and produced a winning debut, gives me confidence he will handle the track. He followed that up with a really impressive success at Ascot and showed a lot of class. He has thrived throughout, he is a wonderful physical, big, strong colt and I'm looking forward to seeing him step up to a mile. He is very deserving of running in this sort of grade. He's a horse we have always loved and he definitely sets the pulse racing.”

Trueshan Looks For Second Cadran

At ParisLongchamp, the Cadran sees Alan King's star stayer Trueshan (Fr) (Planteur {Ire}) bid to double his tally in the prestige marathon having mastered Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in style on easy ground two years ago. Back with a bang after a second wind operation in the G2 Doncaster Cup earlier this month, he has no genuine staying star of that calibre to contend with in a disappointing turnout but he does have Ballydoyle's ever-reliable Emily Dickinson (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). While the ground is not as easy as she would like it, neither is it for Trueshan and a repeat of the form of her latest second in the G1 Goodwood Cup would be good enough should the veteran giant deliver one of his deflating efforts.

Aidan O'Brien said of her, “We think the trip will suit her and any ease in the ground will suit her as well. If the ground had come up soft or heavy, we probably would have had a good, strong think about the Arc, but we thought over the Cadran trip she would be more comfortable. She does stay very well and she seems in good form. When she ran in the Gold Cup she ran very well even though the ground was quick–she didn't have any problems with it.”

As selected by you, @HollieDoyle1's ride on Trueshan is the MOMENT OF THE MEETING from the @Betfred St Leger Festival #DoncasterRaces | #MadeinDoncaster pic.twitter.com/ukohcbO2Pw

— Doncaster Racecourse (@DoncasterRaces) September 21, 2023

All To Play For In Open Royallieu

There is no stand-out in the Qatar Prix de Royallieu and it is fair to say that there have been better editions of the 14-furlong contest since it was elevated to top-level status in 2019. They have included an Oaks heroine in Anapurna (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and the top-class Wonderful Tonight (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), but this is a line-up of wannabes at present headed on the formbook by Wathnan Racing's G2 Prix de Pomone winner and G1 Prix Vermeille runner-up Melo Melo (GB) (Gleneagles {Ire}). Most of her rivals have had plenty of chances at a lesser level and missed the target, so perhaps The Aga Khan's progressive G3 Stanerra S. and G3 Irish St Leger Trial S. winner Shamida (Ire) (Australia {GB}) could be the answer or the Arbibs' G2 Lillie Langtry S. and G2 Park Hill S. scorer Sumo Sam (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) if she can transfer her soft-ground dominance to this livelier surface.

Big Things On The Horizon?

ParisLongchamp's trio of Group 2 races see Moyglare Stud's exciting Harbour Wind (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}) look to enhance his reputation in the staying category in the Qatar Prix Chaudenay; Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's G3 Sovereign S. dead-heater Embesto (GB) (Roaring Lion) act as one of the more promising types lining up for the Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein; and one of the day's more exciting runners in Horizon Dore (Fr) (Dabirsim {Fr}) look to boss the Qatar Prix Dollar.

Horizon Dore, who has flaunted his wares in the G2 Prix Eugene Adam and G3 Prix du Prince d'Orange, is one of the more lively outsiders at present for next month's G1 Champion S. and he sports the Gousserie silks already renowned at that Ascot fixture. Compatriots Cirrus Des Aigles (Fr) (Even Top {Ire}) and Skalleti (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}) and also the British raider Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai {Aus}) have taken this en route to making a major play at the Champion and so Saturday's closing act of ParisLongchamp's pattern-race bonanza takes on extra weight.

Sunday's Supporting Group 1s Confirmed

Friday saw ParisLongchamp's five other Arc-supporting Group 1 contests finalised, with the opening two being the big juvenile prizes. The Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere features Philippe Allaire and Haras d'Etreham's unbeaten G3 Prix la Rochette-winning TDN Rising Star Beauvatier (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), while the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac includes Newtown Anner Stud Farm's impressive G2 May Hill S. and G3 Prestige S. winner Darnation (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) and Haras d'Etreham and Craig Bernick's G2 Prix du Calvados-winning  TDN Rising Star Les Pavots (Ire) (No Nay Never).

In the Prix de l'Opera Longines, Yeguada Centurion SL's G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and G1 Prix de Diane heroine Blue Rose Cen (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) takes on 11 rivals, while the 19 due to assemble for the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines include the star sprinting mare Highfield Princess (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) and the G1 Qatar Prix de la Foret sees last year's winner Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}) favourably drawn in two bidding to provide Frankie Dettori with the ultimate Paris send-off.

All roads to the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère! Hot favourite Beauvatier makes it a perfect four with a smooth success in the Group 3 Prix la Rochette at @paris_longchamp… pic.twitter.com/sHB7fEWMC2

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 3, 2023

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The four-for-five William Haggas-trained bay was also being considered for the G1 Prix de l'Abbaye in open company and versus elders the day after the Cheveley Park. Second in the G2 Queen Mary S. by only a nose at third asking in June, she triumphed in the Weatherbys Super Sprint S. a month later, before her Lowther score in August.

“The plan is very much to go to the Cheveley Park at this moment in time,” said Bromley. “It's pretty much decision made, obviously other variables can happen between now and then, but at the moment all roads lead to Newmarket.

“It just seems she deserves a go at a Group 1 and the Cheveley Park is fillies' only and six furlongs, which seemed to suit well in the Lowther. William seems happy with her and there's no reason not to go to Newmarket really.”

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The daughter of four-time winner Too Precious (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) won a maiden race at the Curragh in April, and followed up with Group 3 victories in the Fillies Sprint S. and Albany S. at Naas and Royal Ascot, respectively, in May and June. The Phoenix was her first loss. Connections are also discussing the Sept. 30 G1 Cheveley Park S. as an option.

“She ran really well and we were delighted with her,” said O'Brien. “We're still not 100% sure, but there's a good chance we will take a look at the Moyglare and we will train her towards that and see. She will have the option of the Cheveley Park after that also.

“I think she has plenty of speed, so I think six or seven furlongs won't be a problem either way and she's open to either. The winner looked a good horse and to go against the colts isn't easy but she ran really well.”

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“She's great and we're very happy with her and we're now looking forward to having a crack at a Group 1 with her,” the trainer said. “She appreciates a bit of cut in the ground and when she does get it, her returns from her races are much better.”

After breaking her maiden on debut in April, the daughter of Surprisingly (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) was fourth in the Listed Marygate Fillies' S. and the G3 Albany S. She won the G2 Duchess of Cambridge S. by 1 3/4 lengths last Friday.

He added, “I'm not ruling out staying at six furlongs and she's got plenty of speed and I think six or seven for now will be the plan and we will leave going a mile to next year.

“Obviously she has a liking for Newmarket, so you would like to think the Cheveley Park might be the end-of-season target [on Sept. 30]. But she also has an entry in the [G1] Moyglare [S.] at the Curragh [on Sept. 10] and the world is her oyster really. It might just be a case of choosing somewhere where the ground is right.”

Of a Breeders' Cup bid, the trainer added, “I don't think she would be the right sort of filly to take to America. Kia is keen on America and if we had the right article he would be very keen to go. But I think she is unlikely to get her ground out there at that time of year. It wouldn't be her cup of tea.”

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Trainer Charlie Fellowes said, “The owners have been brilliant–they've put no pressure on her running but have said we'll see what happens with the weather through the week and go from there.

“I was a bit worried about what she beat at Kempton, but it turns out I need not have been–with them being first and second in the Mill Reef.

“You don't get to run in Cheveley Parks very often. She's a very good filly, we've always felt that, so providing the ground isn't too quick I see no reason why we won't take our chance.

“The rain on Sunday helped, and there is the possibility of showers later in the week.”

Another Cheveley Park S. supplement was George Boughey's Corazon (Ire) (Markaz {Ire}), who saluted in the G3 Prix d'Arenberg on Sept. 2 and was third in the G2 Flying Childers S. on Sept. 10. Boughey will also saddle Thunder Love (GB) (Profitable {Ire}).

The four-for-four Sacred Bridge (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), who won the G3 Round Tower S., flies the flag for Juddmonte and Ger Lyons. Ismail Mohammed's Zain Claudette (Ire) (No Nay Never) enters on the back of victories in the G3 Princess Margaret S. in July and the G2 Lowther S. in August. Sandrine (GB) (Bobby's Kitten), who won the G2 Duchess Of Cambridge S. and three-time group-placed Desert Dreamer (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) were second and third, respectively in the Lowther.

Mohammed said, “She's in very good form–we worked her on Monday on the all weather, and she is flying. She's in good nick up to now–we'll work her on grass on Wednesday too. She's changed a lot since the Group 2 and she's doing very, very well.

“You will 100% see her in the Cheveley Park next.”

Group winners Velocidad (GB) (Gleneagles {Ire}), successful in the G2 Airlie Stud S. from the yard of Joseph O'Brien and G3 Prix de Cabourg victress Have A Good Day (Ire) (Adaay {Ire}) have also signed up. Listed winner Flotus (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Ire}) and the winning Tenebrism (Caravaggio) will also take part.

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“Quick Suzy's main objective this year is the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint,” said Eclipse spokesman Joseph Burke of the Gavin Cromwell-trained filly. “That has always been her main target–that's what she was purchased to do.

“With that in mind, Gavin suggested we have changed her prep race and she's going to go for a five-furlong listed race at Dundalk on Oct. 1.

“She's had her three runs in Ireland, then she travelled to England for a run and then she travelled to France.

“Travel is a little bit more difficult than it used to be. If we were to go for the Cheveley Park, she'd go across on the boat and then it's six hours in a box down to Newmarket, run in a Group One and then six hours back to the boat again before being put on a flight to America a few weeks later. We also don't know what ground we'll encounter there, whereas at Dundalk it's a given. We all agreed that on balance, it is the right move with a view to having her peak at Del Mar.”

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Lyons, who saddled his 1,000th winner on Monday, told the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, “The little filly gave me a 'wow' feeling on Friday–it was her fourth win, but I didn't get a 'wow' off her until Friday. That was a 'wow' performance.

“She literally goes through the motions at home and does what she's done. Every time I've gone to the races I've kept thinking 'is she up to this?', and every time she's produced.

“I love training 2-year-olds, and it's for that reason–you don't know what you're uncovering. It's when they hit the ceiling you go on to the next one, but she's still on the rise.

“Subject to us talking to the [Abdullah] family and everybody being on the same page, that's [Cheveley Park] where you would go with her.”

Sacred Bridge saluted at Naas when unveiled on June 23 and captured Tipperary's Listed Coolmore Ten Sovereigns Tipperary S. just seven days later. A winner of the €300,000 Irish EBF Ballyhane S. on Aug. 2, she was 3 3/4 lengths ahead of her rivals in the Round Tower.

Lyons added, “There's a lot of options open with her, including a trip to the States at the end of the year. If she stays in this form why not, that would have to come into the conversation that we'll be having close to the time.”

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The G2 Sky Bet Lowther S. at York on Aug. 19 is the next racecourse appearance for Kirsten Rausing's homebred G3 Albany S. and G2 Duchess Of Cambridge S. heroine. All being well, the dark bay will then take part in the six-furlong G1 Juddmonte Cheveley Park S. at Newmarket on Sept. 25.

Balding said of the three-for-three filly, “Sandrine looks very good and I've been thrilled with her last two runs. She will probably run in the Lowther next then all eyes will be on the Cheveley Park. She will carry a penalty [at York] but we didn't want to wait until Newmarket to run her again. She seems to be very versatile ground wise. She is a very smart filly and is an absolute pleasure to train.”

Victorious at Newbury when unveiled in April, Berkshire Shadow saluted at Royal Ascot in the G2 Coventry S. He was last seen running second over soft ground in the G2 Vintage S. at Goodwood on July 27. The Sept. 25 G1 Muddmonte Middle Park S. going six furlongs or the G1 Darley Dewhurst S. over seven furlongs on Oct. 9 are both likely targets for the progressive colt.

“We might drop him back to six and look at the Gimcrack at York before looking at options like the Middle Park or Dewhurst in the autumn. He is a very talented horse and if he encountered soft ground again I imagine he would perform better on it now having raced on it. Like Sandrine, it is a pleasure to have him in the yard.”

Rounding out the Balding trio is Saturday's G3 Sweet Solera S. heroine Majestic Glory. Sixth at Windsor making her first start on July 5, the bay improved to second at Newbury on July 16 and donned cap and gown transferred to Newmarket on July 30, her final appearance before her Sweet Solera score. The Oct. 8 G1 bet365 Fillies' Mile is in the cards for Majestic Glory.

He added, “It was a very good performance that Majestic Glory put up in the Sweet Solera S. at Newmarket on Saturday and her breeding suggests she should stay further than seven furlongs.

“She hadn't had a massively hard race the time before and this looked a fairly good opportunity at this level so we took and I thought she looked very smart.”

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“Now she's won a Group 2 there's not much point heading for something like the Lowther with a penalty so the Cheveley Park looks the next logical race, she's had four runs already,” said Burke. “I told Gavin after Naas that after Ascot she'd probably be heading to America, but Aron [Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners] said they are doing such a good job there was no reason to take her away from Gavin–which I was delighted to hear.

“After the Cheveley Park there's then five weeks until the Breeders' Cup, where she's got five weeks in between, so it fits in nicely and she'll run in the Juvenile Sprint Turf.”

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“I'm delighted with her–the only problem is she's still wearing her winter collection at the moment,” Balding told Sky Sports Racing. “I'm just hoping the coat starts to shift–which it should do, with the weather we've got forecast over the next week.

“I'd hope to see a change in that, but she's been showing all her usual ability in her work. She's done two fast pieces of work, and I'm really pleased where we're at in terms of her fitness levels and well-being–apart from the coat being a bit woolly.”

“The plan was to run in the Fred Darling as a prep for the Guineas. I think it's important with her to hopefully have a run before going a mile–but if she's not ready in time we'll go straight to Newmarket.

“That has always been the plan, and she relaxes so well–certainly at home. It gives her a chance of getting a mile, but if we can get a race in as a prep to make sure she does settle that would be to her advantage.”

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