Vetiver secured a second-time victory at Chelmsford

Vetiver secured her ticket to the Qatar Goodwood Festival by winning the bet365 Queen Charlotte Fillies’ Stakes at Chelmsford for the second time in the Listed class. Renowned horses like Highfield Princess and Billesdon Brook have triumphed in this seven-furlong contest before, and Andrew Balding’s four-year-old mare added her name to the impressive list with a strong performance, clocking a quick time.

Competing on the all-weather surface for the first time, Vetiver surged ahead at the furlong mark and held off Cloud Cover’s late challenge by a neck. Having won at Listed level at Carlisle around the same time last year, jockey David Probert believes there is more success in store for the 12-1 outsider this summer.

Probert noted that the mare performed well despite a tough draw in her previous race at Lingfield, and benefited from a more favourable position in the starting stalls at Chelmsford. He praised Vetiver's ability to relax and handle the track conditions, pointing out that the surface had been watered, resulting in faster times. Probert expressed confidence in the filly’s potential and suggested that Cheveley Park and Balding likely have a plan for her, hinting that a track like Goodwood could suit her well.