2012 Cheveley Park

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Vorda Shows Class in Cheveley Park Stakes
28/09/13

1 Vorda 11/8F
2 Princess Noor 11/1
3 Kiyoshi 9/4
NR: Red Lady (IRE)
7 ran Distances: ¾l, 1¼l, nk
TIME 1m 13.34s (slow by 3.04s)

The Philippe Sogorb-trained Vorda ran out a convincing winner of the Connolly's Red Mills Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket.

Vorda
© Racehorse Photos

She met her first defeat in four starts when beaten by the American speedster No Nay Never last time out, but back against her own sex, the 11-8 favourite stamped her class on proceedings to score by three-quarters of a length.

Princess Noor raced alone for much of the contest down the centre and stayed on for second, but had no response when Olivier Peslier kicked on Philippe Sogorb's filly running into the dip. While Kiyoshi and Joyeuse, Frankel's half-sister, made late ground, they never looked like taking a hand in the finish.

Peslier said: "It was a slow pace but we were lucky as it was like a French race, not very fast, and I just followed the lead and left her alone for the sprint. The trainer told me not to worry as she had a good turn of foot. I think she'll stay a mile. She's not very big but she's got a big heart."

Asked if she could be a Guineas filly, he added: "Why not? Between two and three, through the winter, horses can change a lot. We will enjoy this for the moment."

Speaking through a translator, Sogorb said: "I knew straight away she was a good filly as she did everything so easily, from February I knew she was really good. She stood out from the rest. I knew she was better than average, but I didn't think she was a Group One filly.

"I had around 10 yearlings that year and I knew from my experience as a jockey that she was better than anything else. I regret not being able to ride her myself, but I take great pleasure standing in the stands and watching her run. We will take her to the Breeders' Cup and see if she stays a mile out there. She's bred for speed so that will be the test."

Roger Varian said of Princess Noor: "We finished second in a Group One and initially you are disappointed you haven't won, but you have to say she's run a really good race. Johnny (Murtagh) was very impressed with her and we should have something to look forward to next season. She won't run again."

Back in third was Kiyoshi, who was so impressive at Royal Ascot and went off the 9-4 second favourite.

David Redvers, representing owners Qatar Racing, said: "I think the ground was a little quick for her, but Sheikh Fahad and Jamie (Spencer) also think she's going to be much better the further she goes. I suppose initially I am personally disappointed, as I genuinely thought she would win, but the winner is an aeroplane.

"I imagine we will put her away now, but we will see how she comes out of the race. We will look at the seven-furlong trial at Newbury next year and then the Guineas."

The winner was given quotes ranging from 8-1 to 12-1 for next year's 1000 Guineas back at Newmarket.

Connolly's Red Mills Cheveley Park Stakes (Fillies' Group 1)
£170,000 added, 2yo only, 6f, Class 1
7 ran
Going: Good to Firm