Trainer Andrew Balding is set to test his unbeaten filly Forbidden Fire at the highest level as she competes in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket on October 9. The £500,000 (S$846,000) race over 1,600 meters will mark a significant step up for the juvenile, who has shown promise in her two previous outings.

Forbidden Fire, a daughter of No Nay Never, made a winning debut at Salisbury before securing victory against colts in the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster on September 11. Despite her success over shorter distances, the challenge of stretching out to a mile remains unproven. Balding acknowledged this uncertainty but expressed confidence in the filly’s class and hoped she would respond well to the step up in trip.

“The form has worked out well,” Balding said, noting that one of Forbidden Fire’s rivals who finished third in her recent race has since won the Mill Reef Stakes. “She’s relatively lightly raced, with just two starts, and I hope there’s still improvement in her.”

Balding also saw the Fillies’ Mile as an important test to define the filly’s future distance capabilities. “It’s probably worth a go, and she’s got the class. I hope she is competitive in the Fillies’ Mile,” he added. “If you can be competitive there, you know where your stall’s going to be set for next season.”

The race will feature a strong field of eight runners, including another unbeaten contender, Musical Times. The filly impressed in her first two races, highlighted by a seven-length victory in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes at Doncaster on September 10.

Balding will also saddle Scommessa Sicura in the Fillies’ Mile. The daughter of Cracksman represents Opulence Thoroughbreds and Chelsea and England footballer Reece James. Scommessa Sicura has been remarkably consistent as a two-year-old, finishing no worse than second in six outings. She opened her account at Newmarket’s July meeting and finished runner-up to Musical Times in the May Hill Stakes, as well as second in the Listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury on August 12.

“She has been so consistent this year,” Balding said of Scommessa Sicura. “She’s mixed it with some of the best fillies at all distances.”

Reece James, who has a growing interest in horse racing, also owns juveniles Faith In Florence, Sequel Star, and Hope In Havana, managed by various trainers. James joins a growing number of football professionals involved in ownership, following the examples of figures such as Michael Owen, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Wayne Rooney.

Meanwhile, on October 4 at ParisLongchamp’s Arc day, Galicia Gold finished a credible third at 33-1 odds in the Group 2 Prix Dollar. The four-year-old runner lost out to Wimble-Don Hawkeye over 1,900 meters, marking a notable effort at France’s prestigious racing festival.