Another Doncaster trip is mapped out ahead of big autumn targets.
Matilda Picotte Eyes Doncaster Redemption After Narrow Tipperary Defeat
After a heart-wrenching defeat in the Fairy Bridge Stakes at Tipperary, Matilda Picotte is gearing up for another shot at glory in the Sceptre Fillies' Stakes at Doncaster. Kieran Cotter's determined front-runner came agonizingly close to victory on Sunday, only to be edged out in the final moments of the race.
Last year, the talented filly also finished second in the Fairy Bridge Stakes before heading to Town Moor, where she stormed to success in the Sceptre Fillies' Stakes just a few weeks later. Connections are now hoping history repeats itself as Matilda Picotte returns to the same path with hopes for another triumphant outcome.
Reflecting on Sunday’s narrow miss, Cotter shared his disappointment but remained optimistic. “She came back a bit tired, but she’s healthy and well. She was second in that race last year, and that last 110 yards just catches her out," he said. "It was heartbreaking to see her chinned again, but she put in some serious fractions. It was no fault of her own – it’s just the way she runs.”
Wow!
Matilda Picotte blows away her rivals in the @JRA_WorldRacing Sceptre Fillies' Stakes at @DoncasterRaces under @oismurphy… pic.twitter.com/Gf3Kmtg7zA
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 17, 2023
The battle for victory in Tipperary was fierce, with Matilda Picotte setting the pace for the majority of the race, only to be denied in the closing moments. However, the filly's spirited run solidified her status as a formidable competitor, and Cotter believes the best is yet to come.
With the Sceptre Stakes now firmly on the horizon, Cotter is hopeful the change in conditions at Doncaster might offer the edge Matilda Picotte needs to reclaim her title. "The plan is the same as last year, and we’ll head for the Sceptre Stakes at Doncaster. Hopefully, there might be a bit of rain to help her," Cotter revealed. "She has proven form at the track, and we’ll try to get a win into her again and go from there."
Matilda Picotte’s win in the Sceptre Stakes in 2023 was a highlight of her career, propelling her to even greater success with a win in Newmarket’s prestigious seven-furlong Challenge Stakes later in the season. This year, Cotter has his sights set on even bigger targets for the daughter of Sioux Nation.
While the Challenge Stakes is on the radar again, Cotter is also weighing the possibility of sending Matilda Picotte to France for the Prix de la Foret, a Group One race at ParisLongchamp that is the only European open-age contest over seven furlongs. If all goes to plan at Doncaster, a trip to Paris could be in the cards for the speedy filly.
“Doncaster fits in well with the schedule from last year, and she’s in the Foret, so depending on how things go, there are a few options open to her," Cotter said. "There’s also the Challenge Stakes, which she won in Newmarket, but that wouldn’t fit in with going to France. Still, it remains an option.”
Cotter has plenty of confidence in Matilda Picotte’s ability to shine over the seven-furlong distance, where her raw speed and relentless pace make her a daunting opponent. “We’re hoping once she drops back to just seven furlongs, she’ll do the job,” Cotter said. “The pace she puts in through the seven – not many horses can sit with her, but they can’t let her get away either. We’ve plenty to look forward to.”
With plans to continue her campaign at Doncaster and potentially ParisLongchamp, Matilda Picotte’s story this season is far from over. The next few weeks will be crucial as she seeks to turn her near-miss into a full-fledged victory, with her team filled with optimism and excitement.
