Via Sistina geared up and ready for Champions Day

Via Sistina Gears Up for Qipco British Champions Day

Excitement is building around the anticipated performance of Via Sistina on Qipco British Champions Day, as trainer George Boughey reveals that his star filly has been training with exceptional gusto.

Since joining Boughey’s stable in October last year, Via Sistina has consistently finished within the top three positions. This season, however, she has taken her form to new heights by convincingly winning the Dahlia Stakes and claiming Group One honors at the Pretty Polly Stakes in Curragh.

Despite commendable efforts in both the Falmouth Stakes and Prix Jean Romanet, Boughey decided against sending his thriving mare to ParisLongchamp for the Prix de l’Opera. Instead, he opted to head to Ascot with a horse in peak condition.

Boughey hopes that favorable weather conditions will allow Via Sistina to showcase her best abilities at Ascot racecourse. The ground plays a crucial role in her performance and slower conditions would suit her perfectly. However, she also holds potential on normal ground if necessary.

“I can’t imagine it is going to be fast,” says Boughey of Ascot’s track conditions. “I’ve long wanted to run her at Ascot and it usually comes up very soft.”

The option stands for Via Sisitna whether she takes on colts over 10 furlongs distance in the Qipco Champion Stakes or stays among fillies and mares for the Qipco British Champions Fillies And Mares Stakes, which covers a mile and a half.

Boughey acknowledges Via Sistina’s versatility, making the decision between these two races a challenge. Her ability to adapt to different distances suggests that she could have excelled in various Group One races within the same season.

“She is versatile,” says Boughey. “The way she travels off the pace is probably conducive to staying a bit further so all options are open and it’s a nice decision to have to make.”