Flying filly has been steadily improving.
Flight is set to embark on a pivotal journey in her career as she heads to Doncaster for the Betfred May Hill Stakes on Thursday. Trained by Ollie Sangster, the promising young filly has shown considerable potential, finishing second in her initial two outings against solid competition. However, she truly spread her wings on her third attempt, cruising to victory at Sandown under the guidance of Oisin Murphy.
With her recent success, connections are optimistic that Flight will continue her upward trajectory as she steps up in grade. Sangster has always held her in high regard, having previously enjoyed stakes-level success with horses like Simmering and Celestial Orbit this season. “We were very happy with her performance at Sandown; it was straightforward enough, and she displayed the promise we had seen all along,” Sangster remarked.
Flight and @oismurphy return after the filly broke her maiden at Sandown. @OllieSangster could be tempted to have a crack at the May Hill at Doncaster next pic.twitter.com/0QyhF9m80i
— Adam Morgan (@Adam_Morgs) August 31, 2024
“She's come out of that race in great shape. While this is a quick turnaround and a significant jump in class, we have always believed she was a stakes-class filly. She’s been learning on the job, and I think she’s ready for this type of race. I expect her to improve again, especially with the step up to a mile, which should suit her well. Hopefully, she’ll put in a nice performance.”
Flight will face familiar rival Desert Flower, trained by Charlie Appleby, who defeated her at Newmarket in the summer. Desert Flower, a daughter of Night Of Thunder, has solidified her reputation with two wins at the July course and will be looking to maintain her unbeaten status. “Desert Flower has won both her starts impressively and is progressing well,” Appleby said. “We believe the step up to a mile will bring further improvement, which will be necessary at this level. We’ve been pleased with her preparation and look forward to seeing how she fares against this competitive field.”
Aidan O’Brien is also well-represented in the race, with both January, who won the Churchill Stakes easily, and Tipperary maiden winner Ecstatic, to be ridden by Ryan Moore.
Elsie's Ruan could pose a threat for Yorkshire, aiming for a significant career milestone for trainer Gemma Tutty after her third-place finish in the Sweet Solera. Meanwhile, Anshoda, who has already claimed victory in the Prestige Stakes at Goodwood, seeks to add more Group honors to her resume.
The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Tipperary goes the way of the Aidan O'Brien trained Ecstatic with Ryan Moore onboard! 🏇 @Ballydoyle | @IrishEBF_ | @tipperaryraces pic.twitter.com/IeMKKHVp11
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) August 9, 2024
David Loughnane's filly has confirmed the promise shown in her shocking debut win and her second in the Star Stakes. Following her impressive Group Three triumph at Goodwood, she is gearing up for a potential Breeders' Cup outing later this year. “This looks like a more competitive race than Goodwood, and the Godolphin horse seems quite decent, but we’re ready to take our chance,” Loughnane commented.
Anshoda strikes in the GBP 80,000 @WillHillRacing Prestige Stakes!
This exciting filly lands Group 3 honours under @loughnane_billy for the David Loughnane team and Team Valor 👏 pic.twitter.com/UNZEHVcVcb
— Goodwood Racecourse (@Goodwood_Races) August 24, 2024
“I believe she’s taken a step forward since Goodwood and the mile distance will suit her well. Any rain would also be beneficial. This race is a stepping stone in preparation for the Breeders' Cup. It’s fantastic to have owners like Team Valor and Gary Barber in the yard; we’ve had a great start with them, winning the Prestige, and hopefully, this partnership can continue to flourish.”
