Royal Ascot winner Leovanni will aim to get back to winning ways in the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket next month after her first defeat at York.
Having made a stunning debut at Nottingham and impressing in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot, Karl Burke's filly was a solid contender in the Lowther Stakes at York. However, she finished a respectable third behind Ed Walker’s Celandine after being moved up to six furlongs.
Despite the setback, connections are optimistic. "She’s come out of the race well, and we’re very pleased," said Richard Brown, European racing adviser for Wathnan Racing. "She handled the six furlongs nicely and ran well under a penalty. We’re looking forward to her running in the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket."
It was a mixed week for Wathnan Racing during Ebor week. Although Gregory, Artagnan, and Realign all made the podium, The Strikin Viking was disappointed in the Gimcrack Stakes.
"The Strikin Viking was too free and didn’t run to expectations," Brown said. "We’ll give him a break and aim for a specific target later in the season. He’s a big horse with potential for next year."
Space Legend, who was a close second in the King Edward VII Stakes, ran well in the Great Voltigeur and might be rested for a four-year-old campaign. Brown noted, "He’s a big horse who should improve over the winter. We may consider putting him away for next year, though no firm decisions have been made yet."