Lake Victoria Eyes Cheveley Park Crown as Fairy Godmother’s Season Comes to a Surprising End

 Aidan O'Brien has confirmed that his star filly Lake Victoria is in the running for the prestigious Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket this Saturday. O’Brien’s decision comes after the Ballydoyle trainer announced that Royal Ascot sensation, Fairy Godmother, will not compete again this season, opting instead to rest her ahead of next year’s campaign. The news sets the stage for a thrilling contest, with Lake Victoria looking to cement her reputation with back-to-back Group One victories.

Fairy Godmother Out for the Season

Fairy Godmother’s explosive victory in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot had marked her as one of O’Brien’s standout two-year-olds. However, the Ballydoyle team has made the decision to give the filly time to rest, bringing her season to a close earlier than expected. O'Brien revealed the decision on Monday, stating, "Fairy Godmother is finished for the season. We just decided to leave her off for the rest of the year."

The filly’s impressive run at Ascot was enough to solidify her position as one of next season’s most exciting prospects, with Paddy Power placing her as a 5-1 joint-favourite for the 1000 Guineas alongside stablemate Lake Victoria.

 

That is MAGIC from Ryan Moore to get Fairy Godmother to win the Albany Stakes at Royal @Ascot! pic.twitter.com/yFSRxGa8kH

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces June 21, 2024

Lake Victoria to Shine Again?

The attention now shifts to Lake Victoria, who is among 14 fillies entered for the Group One Cheveley Park Stakes. Having maintained her unbeaten record with a stunning performance in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh, O’Brien is contemplating dropping her back in trip from seven to six furlongs. The Cheveley Park Stakes presents an ideal opportunity for the filly to continue her rise to the top of the juvenile ranks.

O'Brien remarked on Lake Victoria’s form and potential: "We were thinking we might bring her back to six furlongs for this, going to the Moyglare." With her unbeaten streak intact and her name already etched among the best fillies in training, Lake Victoria’s presence at Newmarket has generated excitement across the racing community.

O'Brien’s Arsenal in the Cheveley Park Stakes

Alongside Lake Victoria, O'Brien has entered several other high-caliber fillies for the Cheveley Park Stakes. Bubbling, Heavens Gate, Merrily, and Truly Enchanting all feature among his Cheveley Park contingent, emphasizing O’Brien’s dominance in the event.  

The Ballydoyle maestro’s task is made all the more challenging by the inclusion of top rival, Babouche, trained by Ger Lyons. Babouche, racing in Juddmonte colours, comes into the contest on the back of three consecutive wins, including a Group One triumph in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh. Babouche's victory over the O’Brien-trained Whistlejacket in the Phoenix Stakes makes her the likely favourite for Saturday's race.

The competition will also feature Francis-Henri Graffard’s Chantilly winner Rayevka, supplemented for the Cheveley Park after an impressive victory in France. Ed Walker’s Lowther Stakes winner Celandine adds further depth to the field, ensuring the Cheveley Park Stakes will be an exciting and highly competitive affair.

O'Brien Eyes Success in the Royal Lodge Stakes

While the Cheveley Park Stakes promises to be a show-stopper, O’Brien's attention will also be on the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes. The Ballydoyle handler has a formidable presence in the race, being responsible for 10 of the 18 remaining entries. Leading the charge is Acapulco Bay, who is currently the shortest-priced Ballydoyle contender.

Other notable entries for the Royal Lodge Stakes include Charlie Fellowes’ Ascendant Stakes winner Luther, who has been in outstanding form this season. Ralph Beckett’s Convivial Maiden scorer Angelo Buonarroti is another contender with a growing reputation, making the Royal Lodge Stakes a fascinating watch for racing fans.

 A Powerhouse Clash Awaits at Newmarket

Aidan O’Brien’s decision to rest Fairy Godmother for the season may have surprised some, but it opens the door for Lake Victoria to steal the spotlight. Lake Victoria's potential to dominate the Cheveley Park Stakes is undeniable, but with fierce competition from Babouche and the supplemented Rayevka, O'Brien’s filly will need to deliver her very best on the day.

With Ballydoyle fielding multiple top-class contenders in both the Cheveley Park Stakes and the Royal Lodge Stakes, this weekend promises to be a pivotal one for O’Brien and his team. Whether it’s Lake Victoria’s brilliance or one of his lesser-known fillies making their mark, racing fans are in for a thrilling spectacle at Newmarket.