Aidan O’Brien has predictably entered a strong hand in the QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, with Winter, Rhododendron and Seventh Heaven among the seven aimed for the Group One contest.
Winter - winner of the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot in July - could face King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) champion Enable in the race, in what would undoubtedly be one of the races of the season.
The John Gosden-trained filly, who won the race 12 months ago with Journey, is looking forward to his contenders taking part.
“We’re certainly looking at the race with Journey and for her to come back and do the double would be terrific. We may have one or two others in there too,” said Gosden.
Another eye-catching name among the entries is the Roger Varian-trained Nezwaah, already a Group One winner in the Pretty Polly Stakes at The Curragh in July.
“No decision has been taken about future plans for Nezwaah,” said Varian. “She is pleasing me, but we aren’t looking any further forward than her next race at this stage. The QIPCO British Champions Fillies’ & Mares’ Stakes is a possible target and will come under consideration nearer the time.”
For tickets to QIPCO British Champions Day on Saturday 21 October click here.