From Classics to Sandown: Tamfana’s Shift in Strategy for Group Three Glory
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From Classics to Sandown: Tamfana’s Shift in Strategy for Group Three Glory

Classic-placed runner will be back at a mile at Sandown.

 Tamfana Drops in Class and Distance for Sky Bet Atalanta Stakes After Classic Campaign

Following a notable season with strong showings in Classics across Europe, Tamfana is set to drop in class and distance for the upcoming Sky Bet Atalanta Stakes at Sandown. The Group Three-winning filly, trained by David Menuisier, has proven her caliber as a two-year-old but faced challenges at longer distances this season.

Tamfana impressed last year with a Group Three victory and a solid performance in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, where she finished a close fourth. She followed up with a commendable third place in the French Oaks at Chantilly. However, her stamina limitations became evident when she tackled the mile and a half in the Grand Prix de Paris, finishing fourth.

David Menuisier trains Tamfana
David Menuisier trains Tamfana (Simon Marper/PA)

 Menuisier is optimistic that the reduction in both class and distance to a mile in Saturday’s Group Three race will benefit Tamfana. “She’s in really good form, she’s had a break, and all the lights are green,” Menuisier said. “She clearly didn’t stay the mile and a half against top opposition. We’ll come down in trip and aim to return to the top level. A mile or a mile and a quarter remains an option for the future.”

Jockey Oisin Murphy, who has partnered with Tamfana on three occasions this season, agrees that the drop in distance is a positive change. “Tamfana has been running with great credit in Group Ones this season, and the mile at Sandown should suit her,” Murphy commented.

Doha winning at Royal Ascot
Doha winning at Royal Ascot (John Walton/PA)

 In contention for the race is Doha, trained by Ralph Beckett and representing Sheikh Joaan Al Thani's Al Shaqab Racing. Doha triumphed in the Kensington Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, followed by a second-place finish in the Pipalong Stakes at Pontefract and a fifth in Goodwood's Nassau Stakes. Alison Begley, Al Shaqab Racing manager, is hopeful for another strong performance, stating, “Ralph’s really pleased with her and she’s done nothing but improve this year. The David Menuisier filly will be tough to beat, but Doha has a good chance if she reproduces her Nassau form.”

Also competing is Rolica, trained by Jane Chapple-Hyam, who previously finished sixth in the 1000 Guineas and ran well behind French Oaks heroine Sparkling Plenty in the Prix de Sandringham. Chapple-Hyam is confident that Rolica will benefit from the return to a mile at Sandown, saying, “She’s in really good order after a break and the stiff mile should suit her. The ground should be better than it was at Chantilly.”

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