A total of 10 fillies, including Aidan O'Brien's English and Irish Guineas winners True Love (No Nay Never) and Precise (Starspangledbanner), have been entered in the G1 Coronation Stakes on Friday, June 19.
The duo face G3 Fred Darling Stakes second Touleen (Lope De Vega) from the Owen Burrows yard. The filly finished sixth behind True Love in the G1 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
“She's well and seems good and it's all systems go for the Coronation,” said Burrows. “We thought she had a good draw in the Guineas but it didn't end up being that way as Karl Burke's filly [Venetian Sun] didn't stay and Precise didn't run her race. We just got a bit stuck out there and Saffie [Osborne] had to move about and everything was happening away from her.
“I would like to think Ascot would suit her a lot better track-wise. The twice she has run at Newmarket she hasn't handled the undulations the best so we're hoping Ascot will prove better for her.
“She's got four or five lengths to make up and I'm not saying she is going to win it, but I would be disappointed if she's not making up a few lengths on them.”
Fourth in the Guineas was Ed Walker's G2 Rockfel Stakes runner-up The Prettiest Star (Starman), who is also entered, although that filly is also possible for next Saturday's G3 Jersey Stakes. Sir Mark Prescott's multiple group-placed Moon Target (Cracksman), yet to debut this year, is another Coronation hopeful.
Donnacha O'Brien sends GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf scorer Balantina (Ten Sovereigns), while Paddy Twomey's G1 Irish 1000 Guineas fourth Black Caviar Gold (Havana Grey) is also signed on.
Bond Thoroughbreds' Charlie Bond said of Black Caviar Gold, “Black Caviar Gold is in great form and we're looking forward to next Friday.
“It was a big run in the Irish Guineas on ground conditions she wouldn't really like and if there is a bit of rain around next week at Ascot it would be a boost.”
Charlie Johnston's German 1000 Guineas heroine Timeforshowcasing (Showcasing) is part of the field, as is Richard Hughes's Rose Ghaiyyath (Ghaiyyath). The duo are owned by Jaber Abdullah. Rounding out the field is G3 Fred Darling Stakes victress Sukanya (Havana Grey) from the yard of Jack Channon.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
