Qatar Nassau Stakes (Fillies' And Mares' Group 1)

Off time: 15:38 | Winning time: 2m 4.40s

(5)

Friendly Soul⁴³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: W Buick| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 113| D

5/2

Won the Prix de l'Opera at Longchamp as a 3-y-o. Missed the following season and suffered an unfortunate incident on her belated return at Haydock. However, proved she retains all her ability when third in Group 2 at Royal Ascot, likely to have pushed the winner close with a better run. Big shout.

Form: 7111/P3

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(1)

See The Fire⁴³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-9| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 114| D

7/1

Just failed in this 2 years ago, though she was a bit disappointing when remote third last year. Won first 2 starts this season, including York Group 2 for second year in succession. Essentially outclassed in a strong renewal of the Prince of Wales's Stakes since but expected to bounce back here.

Form: 429-116

(4)

Botagoz³⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Ray Dawson| T: R Varian| OR: 111| D

14/1

Progressive filly who did very well in the circumstances when making it 3 wins from 4 starts in a Group 3 at Newcastle 5 weeks ago and she's well worth a shot at this level with further progress likely.

Form: 1-131

(3)

Diamond Necklace⁴⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 115| D

4/6

Showed a good attitude when bagging her third Group 1 in a row in the Prix de Diane at Chantilly 46 days ago (won Prix Marcel Boussac at 2 yrs and Poule d'Essai des Pouliches on return), maintaining her unbeaten record in the process. The one to beat.

Form: 111-11

(2)

Moments Of Joy⁴⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 98

66/1

Placed at listed/Group 3 level last year but she acted as a pacemaker for Diamond Necklace in the Prix de Diane last time and a similar role looks on the cards.

Form: 325-640

Forecasts

Diamond Necklace (4/6), Friendly Soul (5/2), See The Fire (7/1), Botagoz (14/1), Moments Of Joy (66/1)

FRIENDLY SOUL probably would have pushed subsequent Falmouth winner Blue Bolt very close with a better run through at Royal Ascot, and she looks the value call up against unbeaten 3-y-o Diamond Necklace, who's bidding for her fourth Group 1 win in succession.