As the Jungle Mist Classic approaches at Ascot, all eyes are on The Boss Lady and her journey toward maiden black-type success, with a thrilling lineup set to make this race unforgettable.
With excitement mounting for the Listed Jungle Mist Classic (1200m) at Ascot, the spotlight is on The Boss Lady. Trainer Michael Lane's promising mare has demonstrated consistent improvement, fostering high expectations for her first black-type victory in what is expected to be a closely contested race. Lane's faith in The Boss Lady is well-deserved. The Street Boss mare boasts a perfect second-up record, remaining unbeaten in her two previous attempts. Her latest outing—a commendable fourth place finish behind Jokers Grin over 1000m two weeks ago—marked a positive beginning to her racing campaign.
Lane expresses great optimism regarding her progress, convinced that she is set for an even more impressive performance on Saturday. "She has returned in excellent form," Lane noted during an interview on Tabradio. "There's always that worry after a break—will they keep their form or lose their edge? However, she has made significant strides since her three-year-old season. We are very pleased with her development and how she has progressed since her first race back. No matter what she accomplishes this weekend, she will only continue to improve." This time, The Boss Lady enjoys the advantage of a favorable draw in barrier three.
Jockey Chris Parnham is anticipated to make the most of this advantageous position, as Lane hopes for a more aggressive approach during the race. “She has an ideal gate, so we’re aiming for a closer placement than usual,” Lane remarked. “From that position, she should be well-situated to seize her opportunity.” However, despite the advantageous conditions, the Jungle Mist Classic is expected to be competitive. The Boss Lady is co-favored at $5.50 alongside Toropa, another formidable competitor eager to recover from three consecutive second-place finishes. With Brad Parnham riding and a favorable draw in barrier six, Toropa is equally determined to leave her mark.
Among the other significant competitors are Twain’s Angel ($6), Laced Up Heels ($7), and Baby Paris ($8.50). With such a strong field, the Jungle Mist is set to be an exciting event. Additionally, Lane's aspirations extend beyond The Boss Lady. In the R.J. Peters Stakes (1500m), he has entered Rusty Dreams, a mare with a solid track record, including victory in the Listed Starstruck Classic (1600m) last year. Following a commendable sixth-place finish in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) last Saturday, Lane is optimistic that adding blinkers may enhance her performance.
“The increase to 1500m is ideal for her, and the blinkers have certainly enhanced her focus. We have a quiet confidence that she will be competitive in this race.” With a draw in barrier two and Clint Johnston-Porter riding, Rusty Dreams is in a strong position to compete. She is currently priced at $8.50, but will face tough competition from the leading favorite, Luvnwar, who is at $3.40. With solid prospects in both races, Michael Lane appears poised for an exciting weekend at Ascot. Whether The Boss Lady finally secures her long-desired black-type victory or Rusty Dreams finds her prime form again, the stakes are considerable, and the anticipation is even greater.
