Brilliant Star is set to make a notable appearance in the British Stallion Studs EBF Beckford Stakes at Bath, where she is among the leading contenders. Trained by John and Thady Gosden, the three-year-old has shown significant improvement in recent weeks and carries an official rating of 102, positioning her as the standard-bearer in the Somerset event.
Bred by Anthony Oppenheimer, Brilliant Star is a progeny of Cracksman and Star Catcher, both highly regarded performers. After demonstrating promise in maiden events during the spring, her progression was interrupted by a disappointing run in the Height of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood. Nevertheless, she responded with a strong effort in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot, finishing fourth and closing well in the final furlong despite appearing to tire midway through the race. Observers suggest that stepping up in distance to a mile and three-quarters will better suit her capabilities, making her a formidable contender in the upcoming race.
In the EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes, Chanter Le Blues aims to secure a first victory. The filly, a daughter of Blue Point, was purchased as a yearling for 100,000 guineas and is part-owned by Brighton & Hove Albion footballer Georginio Rutter. Chanter Le Blues made an encouraging debut at Windsor in May, holding a prominent position for much of the race before fading to third. Although she has not competed since, her early pace suggests she may benefit from the drop in distance from six to five furlongs.
Another horse to watch is Galimix, entered in the Free Tips On attheraces.com EBF Restricted Novice Stakes. Trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, the two-year-old gelding impressed with a fourth-place finish on his recent debut at Leicester, showing strong late running. The move up in trip to a mile is expected to suit his running style.
At Ayr, the San Miguel Handicap features Empirestrateofmind, who is considered the day's best bet. Once rated 101, the John and Sean Quinn-trained horse had seen a decline in form, dropping to a rating of 67, before regaining form in recent weeks, helped by softer ground conditions.
Finally, Princesse d’Orange will compete in the Follow @at.the.races On Instagram Nursery Handicap at Southwell. Trained by David O’Meara, the filly flashed potential with a commanding debut win at Beverley and followed up with placings in two Listed contests, including third in the National Stakes at Sandown, though her form has since plateaued. Despite this, there remains optimism about her prospects in the upcoming race.
