The Premio Lydia Tesio, the last Group 1 for fillies and mares of the European season, has attracted an international field, with all five of the major European racing nations represented.
Zghorta Dance (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) appears to be the best of the three French contenders. She won the G3 Prix Vanteaux May 20 at Chantilly and was not disgraced when seventh in the G1 Prix de Diane following an unlucky trip. Her trainer Jean-Claude Rouget bids for a 10th Group 1 this season, and he said, “We had in mind a tilt at the G2 Blandford S. during the Irish Champion meeting, but Zghorta Dance had a minor hiccup and we decided to switch her to this target. The filly is in good condition and very fresh, a big plus at this stage of the season.”
Powder Snow (Dubawi {Ire}) joined the yard of Henri-Alex Pantall after four winless starts for Godolphin in England. She clinched her maiden in the Provinces and has improved since, landing a listed race at Koln Sept. 25 with an impressive last to first move. Sarandia (Ger) (Dansili {GB}) ran a very good race when second in the G1 Preis der Diana and confirmed her form when strolling home six lengths clear in a listed race Oct 2 at Hannover.
The 4-year-old Blond Me (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}) highlighted her career winning the G2 Topkapi Trophy against the boys at Veliefendi, but has never run at this trip. The Irish trained Laganore (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) returned an impressive four- length win last time in the Listed Pride S. and could improve further.
The four Italians are all trained by Alduino Botti. Sound Of Freedom (Ire) (Duke Of Marmalade {Ire}), the runner-up in the 2015 Premio Lydia Tesio, was disappointing this season in England and failed to sparkle in her return at home Oct. 1 when second to stablemate Plein Air (Ire) (Manduro {Ger}), although she is still likely the best of the quartet.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
