Vorda (Fr) (Orpen) is an intended runner for the May 4 G1 QIPCO English 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, the site of her victory in the G1 Cheveley Park S. last September, trainer Philippe Sogorb confirmed yesterday.
“Vorda is coming through the winter in great shape and we will aim her at the 1000 Guineas,” Sogorb said. “The plan is for her to make her seasonal debut in the [Listed] Prix Imprudence at Maisons-Laffitte [Apr. 3] before heading over to Newmarket.”
Vorda won four of five appearances in Europe last year, dropping a one-length decision to No Nay Never (Scat Daddy) when favored over her male rival in the G1 Prix Morny at Deauville Aug. 18. She made her final appearance of 2013 in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita, finishing seventh behind Chriselliam (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}).
“It is best to forget her race at Santa Anita, as she didn't appreciate the turns,” Sogorb reasoned. “All her other races were on straight courses and she was not used to using her shoulders. She also received a bump early on, so she was never at the races and was a bit lost that day.”
Though she has never been further than six furlongs in Europe, Sorgob isn't concerned about the Guineas distance.
“I think that she will stay a mile at Newmarket and she is an easy ride,” he said. “Vorda has done well physically over the winter and although she has not grown very much, she has lengthened. I ride her in the mornings and she now feels like a 3-year-old.”
French winners of the Cheveley Park have a good record in the following year's 1000 Guineas with both Natagora (Fr) (Divine Light {Jpn}) (in 2007/8) and Special Duty (GB) (Hennessy) (in 2009/10) completing the double.
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