Believing goes for glory to the Curragh

Connections of Believing are optimistic she can finally secure a Group One victory when she competes in the Flying Five Stakes at Curragh later this month.

Trained by George Boughey, the Mehmas filly came within three-quarters of a length of Bradsell in the Nunthorpe at York despite a challenging draw. Prior to that, she had two near misses at Royal Ascot, finishing a length and a half and two and three-quarter lengths behind in the King Charles III Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, respectively.

She did, however, secure a Group Two win in the Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh, and was third by just three-quarters of a length in the King George at Goodwood, behind Big Evs and Asfoora.

Harry Herbert of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing is eagerly anticipating a rematch with Bradsell. He noted, "If she’d been drawn on the other side in the Nunthorpe, it could have been very close. It was a great performance from her, especially considering where she came from."

Herbert continued, "We’re excited for the Flying Five at the Curragh, where she previously won a Group Two. She always runs her heart out and remains in great form despite a busy schedule. We’re hopeful she’ll avoid soft ground and improve on her previous performances."

He added, "Winning a Group One would be a fantastic addition to her record, especially as a future broodmare. We’ll see the final field and ground conditions, but we’re ready for a strong challenge against Bradsell."

Meanwhile, Highclere’s other contender, Soprano, is also seeking her first Group One in the Coolmore America "Justify" Matron Stakes at Leopardstown a day earlier. Trained by Boughey, the Starspangledbanner filly recently won at Royal Ascot and secured a Group Three victory at Deauville with a front-running tactic under William Buick.

Herbert said, "Soprano is thriving. The change in tactics in France showed she performs better when ridden prominently. We’ll apply the same strategy in Ireland, riding her closer to the pace."