Formal Aims for Final Triumph in Al Basti Equiworld
Formal is poised to secure Sir Michael Stoute's fourth and final victory in the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket this Friday, as the legendary trainer approaches the end of his illustrious career.
The filly, owned and bred by Cheveley Park, boasts an impressive pedigree—she is sired by Dubawi and is out of Veracious, a Group One-winning mare by Frankel who was also trained by Stoute.
After making a winning debut at Newbury in July, where she outpaced two future winners, Formal continued her success with a strong performance at Leicester earlier this month, earning her place at the Group Two level, pending suitable ground conditions.
"We just need to ensure the ground is right, but we intend to run," said Cheveley Park’s managing director, Chris Richardson. "She came out of her last race well, and Sir Michael is pleased with her, so it looks like we’ll be stepping out again, hopefully for a stronger performance. It would be fantastic to win a significant race for Sir Michael before the season concludes. We’re optimistic that both Formal and Anna Swan, who may run in the Fillies’ Mile next month or the Oh So Sharp Stakes on the same day, can progress to give him a proper send-off."
Aidan O’Brien is fielding two contenders, with stable jockey Ryan Moore choosing to ride Ecstatic over her stablemate Bubbling, who will be partnered by Sean Levey. Ecstatic, a maiden winner from Tipperary, was last seen finishing fifth in the May Hill Stakes at Doncaster, while Bubbling secured third place in the Listed Ingabelle Stakes at Leopardstown.
"Ecstatic has shown steady progress since her debut at Leopardstown, winning comfortably at Tipperary," Moore told Betfair. "She was disappointed at Doncaster when last seen in the Group Two May Hill Stakes, as she stumbled coming out of the stalls, but hopefully she’ll learn from that experience. Finishing fifth behind talented fillies like Desert Flower and stablemate January, she’s likely the form horse in an open contest. Bubbling also ran well at Leopardstown during the Irish Champions Festival, finishing just a length behind in third. This is a competitive race, especially with Formal in the mix, whom I rode to victory last time out at Leicester, but both of Aidan’s fillies have solid chances."
Other notable contenders include Archie Watson’s Duty First, the Prestige Stakes runner-up, and the Ed Walker-trained Troia, who has not raced since her successful debut at Newbury in mid-July.