‘All the good mile-and-a-half races’ will be on the agenda for 2025.
Connections of You Got To Me are optimistic about the future as they confirm that the Irish Oaks heroine will be rested for the winter following a lacklustre performance in St Leger. After a promising start to the season, including a fourth-place finish in the Oaks at Epsom and a competitive run in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot, Ralph Beckett's filly had a standout moment when she captured Classic glory at the Curragh in July. Her strong season continued with a close second place to Content in the Yorkshire Oaks the following month.
However, after being supplemented for the season's final Classic at Doncaster, the daughter of Nathaniel struggled, finishing last of seven runners. Despite this setback, the team remains positive about her potential for the upcoming season.
What a ride 🚀
You Got To Me gives @HectorCrouch his first Classic success by taking the Juddmonte Irish Oaks at the @curraghrace 👏#EveryRacingMoment | @RalphBeckettpic.twitter.com/fV5sMIS6pA
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) July 20, 2024
Reflecting on her disappointing run at Town Moor, Alex Elliott, racing adviser to part-owner Valmont, stated, "The main thing for this filly all year has been the pace of the race, and they didn't go quick enough. She didn't drop the bridle until they turned into the straight, and over that trip, you just can't expend any energy, especially at that level."
After a demanding season, You Got To Me is now back at Newsells Park Stud for a well-deserved break, with plans for a return as a four-year-old. Elliott added, "If she came right in time, you could probably look at Dubai, and then it will be all the good mile-and-a-half races moving forward."
In addition to You Got To Me, the Valmont team has high hopes for another Beckett-trained filly, Sandtrap, who made an impressive debut at Salisbury earlier this month, justifying her odds-on favouritism. Although she currently lacks big-race entries, Elliott is open to the idea of her stepping up in class before the end of the season.
"She has done everything kind of on her own, and Ralph has brought her along slowly. She's a May 15 foal and is bred to be a three-year-old, so for her to go and do that on debut at two was everything we hoped for and more," Elliott remarked.
Sandtrap emerged from her debut well, and while it's unclear if she will race again this season, Elliott emphasized that all options remain open. "If that means going into a stakes race, then so be it – she looked of that ilk when she won, so I don't think we'd have anything to be afraid of."
With promising prospects on the horizon for both fillies, connections are eager to see what next season has in store.
