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French Fillies Spice Up 1000 Guineas Market
30/09/13

The betting for next year's 1000 guineas took on a distinctly gallic flavour over the weekend as juvenile fillies from across the channel showed a clean pair of hoofs to local contenders at the Cambridgeshire meeting.

Miss France
© Racehorse Photos

On Friday, the Andre Fabre-trained Miss France won a close encounter in the Group 3 Aqlaam Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket.

The daughter of Dansili settled well for jockey Mickael Barzalona and caught Lightning Thunder inside the final furlong to score by a head in the 7f contest.

Anthony Stroud, spokesman for the owners, Ballymore Thoroughbreds, said: "The reason we came here rather than running in Paris was we thought she would be suited by a stronger pace and better ground.

"I think she will come back for the 1,000 Guineas but it is up to Diane [Wildenstein] and Andre. I am sure he will tell us where we are going. She has all the talent and is an extremely nice filly."

Miss France caught the eye of bookmakers with her battling victory and in some places is as short as 7-1 on Betfair for next year's 1,000 Guineas.

Vorda
© Racehorse Photos

On Saturday, the continental success continued with the Philippe Sogorb-trained filly Vorda running out a very smart winner of the Connolly's Red Mills Cheveley Park Stakes over 6 furlongs.

Jockey Olivier 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."

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