Dominic Ffrench Davis eagerly anticipates continuous rainfall leading up to a Classic challenge with Persian Dreamer in the upcoming spring season. Persian Dreamer is entered in both the Qipco 1000 Guineas and its Irish counterpart at the Curragh. The daughter of Calyx demonstrated her potential by triumphing in a Rowley Mile maiden and showcasing an impressive performance in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at the July course in Newmarket during her two-year-old campaign.
Ending her juvenile campaign with a commendable performance in the Cheveley Park Stakes, Persian Dreamer's handler is mindful of her strongest showings at Headquarters (HQ) with softer ground conditions. He's optimistic that the weather will permit her participation in the season's inaugural fillies' Classic back on the Rowley Mile.
"The Lambourn-based handler expressed, 'Persian Dreamer is currently with Robson Aguiar in Ireland, and although she hasn't returned to the yard yet, he assures me she's in good shape. We're eagerly anticipating her return.'
He continued, 'I'm hopeful for the continuation of this rainfall because our ultimate goal is to secure a Group One victory with her. However, it's crucial for her to have softer ground conditions.'
'As for her upcoming races, she's set to compete in one of the Guineas. Whether she participates in any races before that will depend on the weather conditions. If the ground is described as 'soft,' we'd be delighted to compete at Newmarket, given her impressive record of two wins out of three races there.'"
As a pivotal figure within Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing team, Ffrench Davis played a significant role in overseeing Ornellaia's two-year-old campaign in 2023. Ornellaia, sired by Night Of Thunder, notably secured third place in the prestigious Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes in her last outing under Ffrench Davis's guidance.
Subsequently, Ornellaia has transitioned to the care of Roger Varian. Her future now includes a potential bid for the 1000 Guineas, a prospect that Ffrench Davis believes could showcase her as a genuine star in the making.
He added, "While we're still focused on Persian Dreamer, Ornellaia has transitioned to Roger Varian's stable. She's an exquisite filly, and I truly hope she secures a Group One victory this year; it would be a well-deserved achievement for Kia, considering the impressive operation he's assembled."
Reflecting on the potential for Ornellaia's success, he noted, "Heavy rainfall before Persian Dreamer's victory in the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes proved beneficial, and if similar conditions prevail before the Guineas, anything is possible. With Aidan O'Brien's Opera Singer not in contention, the race has become more open, but Ornellaia will undoubtedly pose a formidable challenge for her competitors."