Fresh from KING GEORGE VI AND QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES success, trainer Andrew Balding will chase another major prize when BLUE BOLT contests Sunday’s Group 1 Prix Rothschild at Deauville.
The Juddmonte-owned mare has emerged as one of Europe’s leading milers after winning all three starts this season, improving her career record to six victories from nine appearances.
BLUE BOLT began her campaign by winning the Listed Conqueror Fillies’ Stakes at Goodwood before producing an impressive performance in the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot. She then stepped up to the highest level at Newmarket, defeating leading three-year-old PRECISE by two lengths in the Falmouth Stakes.
The daughter of Blue Point travelled strongly throughout the Falmouth before taking control inside the final two furlongs. Her victory was particularly notable as she conceded nine pounds to PRECISE, confirming that she had developed significantly since finishing second behind FALLEN ANGEL in last season’s Sun Chariot Stakes.
Connections briefly considered supplementing BLUE BOLT for the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood but elected to keep her against fillies and mares for the time being.
That decision sends her to Deauville for the 1600-metre Prix Rothschild, the opening Group 1 of the prestigious month-long Deauville Barrière Meeting. The straight-course contest carries prize money of €300,000 and was won last year by FALLEN ANGEL.
Juddmonte’s European racing manager Barry Mahon believes BLUE BOLT has strengthened considerably from three to four and considers her Royal Ascot and Newmarket performances the best of her career.
The stable has always viewed the second half of the season as the main focus for the powerful mare. Following Deauville, possible targets include the Matron Stakes, while a trip to America for the Breeders’ Cup Mile remains under consideration.
Balding has also identified a mile as BLUE BOLT’s optimum distance. She possesses a high cruising speed and the ability to sustain her effort, attributes that should suit the straight course at Deauville.
The Prix Rothschild will give BLUE BOLT the opportunity to extend her unbeaten season and strengthen her position at the head of Europe’s fillies-and-mares mile division.
Meanwhile, Juddmonte could return to Deauville later in August with LEGACY LINK.
The John and Thady Gosden-trained filly has been given time to recover after following her second placing in the Oaks with a disappointing performance in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Connections believe the Epsom runner-up was asked to race again too soon and have ruled out a quick return in the Nassau Stakes. The Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville on August 23 is now being considered as a more suitable target.
For now, however, attention turns to BLUE BOLT as the four-year-old attempts to make it four wins from four this campaign and add another Group 1 prize to Balding’s successful summer.
By Scott Bailey – iRACE
