This Listed contest for fillies and mares over a mile has drawn a competitive field of nine runners, mixing seasoned older performers with several lightly-raced 3-year-olds stepping into pattern company. The race often acts as a springboard to Group-level races, and past winners include the likes of Roman Mist (2023) and Mrs Fitzherbert (2022), both of whom progressed to stronger company thereafter.


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Leading Contenders

Crimson Advocate (T: John & Thady Gosden | J: Robert Havlin) – Timeform Rating: 99
A Royal Ascot winner at two, this daughter of Nyquist has transitioned well into older filly company. She returned to form when a close second in a Listed event at Kempton in March on her first try over a mile. That performance suggested this trip now suits, and she’s likely to go forward in a race that could suit a prominent ride. Her form is solid, and she arrives race-fit—she sets the standard here.

Sirona (T: David Menuisier | J: Rossa Ryan) – Timeform Rating: 98
A consistent sort who ended last season with a Listed win at Newmarket before a strong runner-up finish in a Saint-Cloud Group 3. She goes well fresh, but with 188 days off the track, market support may be instructive. The yard has a smart record with older fillies and she’s a proven mile performer with form in the book.

Bright Thunder (T: Karl Burke | J: Jim Crowley) – Timeform Rating: 96
A dual winner at three, including a French Listed success, and she shaped nicely on her reappearance in the Group 3 Park Express Stakes at the Curragh. That run should bring her forward, and she has scope to improve further at four. Burke’s team remain in good form and Crowley is a positive booking.


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Main Dangers

Sea To Sky (T: Ralph Beckett | J: Hollie Doyle) – Timeform Rating: 94
One of three 3-year-olds in the field and possibly the most interesting. She was a fair third in a deep Newbury Listed race on heavy ground last October, and that form has worked out well. She’s bred to progress and represents a yard with an excellent record developing this type. Makes seasonal reappearance—again, the market will tell us more.

Chic Colombine (T: George Boughey | J: Hector Crouch) – Timeform Rating: 94
Lightly raced and capable on her day, but needs to bounce back from a disappointing reappearance behind Dancing Gemini in Listed company at Doncaster. She’s wearing a tongue strap for the first time, which may help, and Boughey has a solid record with fillies in these types of races. Course-and-distance form is a plus.


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Interesting Outsiders

Protest (T: Roger Varian | J: Ray Dawson) – Timeform Rating: 92
A 3yo filly who shaped with promise when fourth in Listed company at Newmarket in November. She has a striking pedigree and could find improvement this season, though she’s been off 182 days and is unproven on faster ground. Could attract support if ready—one to keep an eye on in the betting.

Betty Clover (T: Eve Johnson Houghton | J: Georgia Dobie) – Timeform Rating: 89
Ran better than her odds when fourth in the Fred Darling last time. She’s hardy and fairly useful, but this is tougher. Likely needs everything to fall right to reach the frame.


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Trainer Trends

George Boughey trained Mystery Angel to finish 2nd in this race in 2021.

David Menuisier’s Mrs Fitzherbert won the 2022 renewal, and Sirona follows a very similar profile.

The Gosden team are always to be respected in early-season Listed fillies’ races—Crimson Advocate is a typical type for them at this level.



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Timeform Insights & Notable Comments

Crimson Advocate: “Looks the one to beat after her strong second at Kempton. Back on turf but shaped as if this trip is now her optimum.”

Sirona: “Proved herself at this level and ran a blinder in a Group 3 in France. A player if fit enough on reappearance.”

Bright Thunder: “Did enough at the Curragh to suggest more is to come and may not be far away.”



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Verdict

Crimson Advocate brings the strongest recent Listed-level form into this and is race-fit for a yard that excels with fillies at this grade. Sirona has equally strong claims on last year’s efforts and should be watched closely in the market on seasonal return. Bright Thunder is another key player now sharper, while among the younger brigade, Sea To Sky may be the one to make a step forward if fully wound up.