Flight's career could truly take off with a promising run in the Betfred May Hill Stakes at Doncaster on Thursday.
After finishing second in her first two starts against strong competition, Ollie Sangster’s filly had a standout performance in her third outing, cruising to victory at Sandown under Oisin Murphy. With that win behind her, connections are hopeful she can continue her upward trajectory as she steps up in grade, having always been held in high regard by Sangster, who has enjoyed stakes-level success with horses like Simmering and Celestial Orbit this season.
Sangster said, “We were very pleased with her performance at Sandown. It was a straightforward victory and showed the promise we’ve always seen in her. She’s come out of the race well, although it’s a quick turnaround and a significant step-up in class. We’ve always believed she’s a stakes-class filly. She’s been learning on the job, and while it’s taken time for her to find her stride, she’s improved with each run. I expect her to improve again, and the step-up to a mile should be beneficial. We’re hopeful she’ll run a good race.”
Flight will face a rematch with Charlie Appleby’s unbeaten Desert Flower, who defeated her on Newmarket’s July course this summer. Desert Flower, a daughter of Night Of Thunder, further enhanced her reputation with a strong performance in her second start and is expected to be a top contender as she aims to maintain her perfect record.
Appleby said, “Desert Flower has won both her starts on the July course impressively and is progressing well. We believe the step up to a mile will bring further improvement, which will be necessary at this level. We’re pleased with her preparation and look forward to seeing how she performs in this company. Like much of the field, we’ll have a better understanding after the race.”
Aidan O’Brien enters the race with a strong hand, saddling both the easy Churchill Stakes winner January and Tipperary maiden winner Ecstatic, who will be ridden by Ryan Moore.
Elsie’s Ruan could represent Yorkshire and provide Gemma Tutty with the biggest success of her career if she builds on her third place in the Sweet Solera Stakes. Meanwhile, Anshoda, who has already won Goodwood’s Prestige Stakes, seeks further group honours.
David Loughnane’s filly, who confirmed the promise of her debut win and Star Stakes second with a victory at Goodwood, is now gearing up for the Breeders’ Cup later this year. Having been acquired by Team Valor and Gary Barber before her Group Three win, she looks to continue her progress.
Loughnane commented, “This looks like a more competitive race than Goodwood, and the Godolphin horse appears to be a strong contender, but we’re ready to take our chance. I believe she has improved since Goodwood, and the step-up to a mile should suit her, especially if there’s any rain. This race is an important step towards preparing her for the Breeders’ Cup. It’s fantastic to have owners like Team Valor and Gary Barber, and we’re thrilled to have started our partnership with a win in the Prestige Stakes. We hope for a long and successful collaboration.”