Via Sistina sets sights on Prix Jean Romanet
Via Sistina Aims for Group One Glory in Prix Jean Romanet
Excitement mounts as Via Sistina prepares to head to France in search of further Group One glory on Sunday week. After an impressive seasonal debut in the Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket, this talented filly secured victory at the top table by winning the Pretty Polly Stakes in Ireland.
In a surprising twist of events, Via Sistina finished third as a hot favorite in the Falmouth Stakes back home last month. Despite this setback, trainer George Boughey decided to skip last week’s Nassau at Goodwood and instead focus on preparing her for a trip across the Channel.
“Via Sistina is looking fantastic,” says Boughey confidently. “Though it was frustrating not having her run in the Nassau due to unsuitable ground conditions, it was never part of our plan after her performance at the Falmouth. Our aim has always been to compete in the Romanet at Deauville on August 20.”
The decision to give Via Sistina more time between races is strategic according to Boughey: “She’d had two quick runs and we’ve got to pick our battles – you can’t run every race – and it’s been our long-term plan should suitable ground be available.”
Boughey continues: “The Romanet will be her final opportunity this year against four-year-old and above fillies only races, so we’re very pleased with her progress. She recently had a successful workout session with jockey Jamie Spencer, who was extremely satisfied with her performance.”
After falling short over a mile in the Falmouth Stakes, Via Sistina will return to racing at a mile and a quarter in Deauville, hinting that longer distances may be her forte for future campaigns.
Boughey reveals: “We wanted to experiment over the mile in the Falmouth, but she lacked the necessary acceleration. Therefore, we’ll go back up in trip.” He further adds: “She’s also entered in both the 10-furlong Champion Stakes and the 12-furlong Fillies & Mares Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot. Additionally, she’ll participate in Prix de l’Opera over 10 furlongs on Arc day.”
In addition to preparing Via Sistina for glory on French soil, Boughey is looking forward to running his high-class juvenile filly Soprano this weekend at Newmarket’s Molson Coors Sweet Solera Stakes.
Soprano finished third in the Albany Stakes over six furlongs at Royal Ascot before occupying another third-place finish when stepping up to seven furlongs as a hot favorite during Star Stakes at Sandown two weeks ago.
Despite this recent setback, Boughey remains positive about giving his young star another chance over an extended distance if ground conditions prove suitable.
“The ground has been questionable for some time now,” states Boughey cautiously. However, he optimistically adds: “With dry weather prevailing recently in Newmarket, if it continues this way then Soprano will definitely be lining up on Saturday. She performed excellently during training today – everything seems good to go!”