Smart filly back at trip of unlucky Classic fourth.
Tamfana Eyes Return to a Mile as Atalanta Stakes at Sandown Beckons
David Menuisier’s talented filly, Tamfana, is set to drop back down to a mile, with the Atalanta Stakes at Sandown being her most likely next target. This shift in distance comes after a season of impressive performances that have seen her emerge as a serious contender on both the domestic and international stage.
Tamfana’s potential was evident from her two-year-old season, where she claimed victory twice, including a dominant nine-and-a-half-length win in a restricted fillies’ maiden at Kempton. Her crowning achievement, however, came with her Group Three triumph in the Prix Miesque at Chantilly, marking her as a filly with a bright future.
This season, Tamfana’s campaign began back in France with a solid third-place finish in the Prix Imprudence. Despite this respectable showing, she was underestimated by many as a 33-1 outsider in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket. However, she defied those odds, finishing a strong fourth, just a length behind the winner, even after being denied a clear run in the race’s crucial stages.
Building on that momentum, Tamfana was tested over longer distances, beginning with the prestigious Prix de Diane at Chantilly. She once again showcased her class, finishing a close third, only three-quarters of a length behind Sparkling Plenty and Survie, both of whom have since validated the quality of that form. A subsequent fourth-place finish in the Grand Prix de Paris over a mile and a half further highlighted her ability but also led connections to reconsider her optimum trip.
With these performances in mind, Menuisier and his team are now poised to bring Tamfana back to a mile, where her turn of foot and tactical speed can be best utilized. “Tamfana is likely to come back for the Atalanta Stakes at Sandown on the 31st of August,” Menuisier confirmed. “After that, she will either go for the Sun Chariot at Newmarket or the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp the next day.”
This strategic decision could see Tamfana adding more prestigious titles to her record as she continues to evolve and mature. The Atalanta Stakes, a Group Three event at Sandown, presents the perfect platform for Tamfana to reassert her dominance over a mile, a distance that has proven to be well within her capabilities.
As the season progresses, Tamfana’s connections have their eyes set on even greater targets. The Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket, a Group One race that attracts some of the best fillies and mares in Europe, could be an ideal stepping stone towards cementing her status at the top level. Alternatively, the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp, also a Group One race, offers another prestigious challenge that could further enhance her reputation on the international circuit.
Tamfana’s journey this season has been one of consistent progression, and with her return to a mile now in sight, the future looks incredibly bright. Whether she takes on the best in the Sun Chariot or targets the Prix de l’Opera, Tamfana is set to continue her rise through the ranks, with the Atalanta Stakes likely to be another significant chapter in her burgeoning career.
