The Opinions Surrounding Fillies & Mares Stakes

Time Lock and Bluestocking Ready for Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes

In the upcoming Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, Juddmonte owner-breeders have a strong hand with their horses Time Lock and Bluestocking. Both fillies have shown promise throughout the season and are now hitting form at just the right time.

Trained by Harry and Roger Charlton, Time Lock has steadily improved over the course of the season. Her impressive victory in a Group Three race at Newmarket three weeks ago indicates that she is in peak condition for Qipco Champions Day.

Bluestocking, trained by Ralph Beckett, has also had a good season with notable performances in races such as Ribblesdale Stakes, Irish Oaks, and Yorkshire Oaks. Although she couldn’t take advantage of lowered competition in her last race at Chester where she was narrowly beaten by Al Qareem.

Tough Conditions Expected at Ascot

The racing manager of Juddmonte Barry Mahon acknowledges that both fillies may face challenging conditions due to heavy ground at Ascot. However, he believes that they have previously demonstrated an ability to handle such conditions. Time Lock showed resilience on heavy ground during her third-place finish in Lillie Langtry stakes at Goodwood while Bluestocking performed well on soft ground when finishing second in the Irish Oaks.

Mahon highlights that despite the concerns about track conditions, it’s a great opportunity for both fillies to compete against top-class opposition before wrapping up their successful seasons at Ascot.

A Promising Finish for Time Lock

For trainer Roger Charlton who will soon pass on his license to his son Harry after this season ends, a victory for Time Lock would be a fitting end to his career. Harry Charlton expresses confidence in Time Lock, stating that she is currently in great form and growing in confidence with each success. Although the challenging track conditions are a cause for caution, he believes that Time Lock can handle soft ground.

Favorite Status for Free Wind

The likely favorite for the Group One contest is Free Wind, trained by John and Thady Gosden and ridden by Frankie Dettori. Despite a disappointing performance in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe three weeks ago, her narrow defeat at Yorkshire Oaks sets her as the standard competitor.

Gosden acknowledges that Free Wind struggled with lively ground during the Arc but praises Dettori’s quick decision-making skills to protect her from further discomfort. With good form leading up to this race, Free Wind seems prepared to give it another shot at Ascot.

Aidan O’Brien’s Jackie Oh Set for Mile and A Half Challenge

Trained by Aidan O’Brien, Jackie Oh narrowly missed out on an Arc weekend victory but now prepares for her first attempt at racing over a mile and a half distance this weekend. O’Brien remains confident that Jackie Oh has what it takes to handle this longer distance as she has always shown potential. Additionally, ease in the ground will work to her advantage as well.

Genuine excitement surrounds Jackie Oh’s prospects as she gears up for yet another thrilling race under Aidan O’Brien’s tutelage.