Connections of Bluestocking are eagerly anticipating rain on Thursday to enhance her chances of building on her maiden Group One victory as she prepares to face the colts in the highly competitive King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
After finishing as the runner-up in both the Irish Oaks and during the King George on British Champions Day last year, this daughter of Camelot is finally receiving the recognition she deserves for her consistent performances this season.
Following an impressive start to her campaign with a win in the Middleton Stakes at York, she claimed her first Group One title in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh, setting her up for a showdown against top contenders like Auguste Rodin and Rebel’s Romance in this midsummer classic.
Trainer Ralph Beckett has expressed his desire to revert to a mile and a half for this race, provided the ground conditions don’t become too firm in Berkshire.
Barry Mahon of Juddmonte echoed these sentiments, noting he hopes the forecasted rain arrives later this week to soften the ground, thus improving Bluestocking’s chances.
Saturday could be a pivotal day for the Bluestocking team, with her performance likely to influence their plans for the remainder of the season. A strong showing might pave the way for an autumn campaign in Paris, where she could aim to outdo her former stablemate Westover in the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.