Karl Burke is in a strong position as Leovanni aims to build on her Royal Ascot success in the Sky Bet Lowther Stakes at York on Thursday.
The promising daughter of Kodi Bear followed a stellar debut at Nottingham with a win in the Queen Mary Stakes. After a short break, she returns to showcase her abilities once more.
Leovanni is one of three contenders for Burke, alongside Miss Lamai, fourth in the Queen Mary and a Naas Listed winner, and dual winner Unspoken Love. However, Leovanni's recent impressive workout has Burke particularly excited.
“She worked exceptionally well last Friday, and I’m very pleased with her,” Burke said. “We head into this with a strong chance, and I believe she’s a deserving favourite.”
Leovanni made headlines for Wathnan Racing with her Ascot victory in June, and her Qatari owners are eager to see her tackle six furlongs, which is viewed as the logical next step for the £190,000 breeze-up purchase.
“We’re excited to see her return after a break. This race is the natural next target,” said Richard Brown, the owners’ European racing adviser. “She’s in good form, and though she’s carrying a penalty, the step up in trip should be fine.”
Aidan O’Brien, who won this race with Fairyland in 2018, is represented by Heavens Gate, a winner of the Ballyhane Stakes at Naas and a consistent performer in previous outings. Ryan Moore will ride and described her as “uncomplicated and consistent.”
Celandine, the recent Empress Stakes victor, returns to compete against fillies, and trainer Ed Walker is optimistic about her chances. “She’s been performing well against colts but should thrive against her own sex. The ground and trip are ideal.”
Eve Johnson Houghton’s Betty Clover and Ralph Beckett’s Tales Of The Heart, who finished behind Simmering in the Princess Margaret Stakes, are also in the mix, with Simmering’s recent win in France boosting the form.
Weatherbys Super Sprint third Time For Sandals steps up to six furlongs for Harry Eustace, and Hilary Needler winner Perfect Part aims to secure Lowther glory for Brian Ellison, following The Mackem Bullet’s narrow miss in 2018.