Ed Bethell’s filly Rogue Passion is positioned as a strong contender in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile, set to take place on the opening day of Newmarket’s Future Champions Festival. The race, valued at £500,000, typically sees dominance from leading trainers such as Aidan O’Brien, John Gosden, and Charlie Appleby. However, Bethell, who took over Thorngill Stables from his father James in 2021, is emerging as a serious challenger with his promising young runner.

This year has marked a career-best for Bethell, with 66 winners to date. Rogue Passion appears poised to fill the void left by Regional, a stable standout retired recently. The filly’s path to the Fillies’ Mile has been somewhat unconventional, with victories ranging from smaller courses like Catterick and Carlisle to notable success abroad, including a Group 2 win in the Prix d’Aumale at Longchamp. The latter performance has been validated further as the runner-up, Amusingly, went on to defeat colts in a Group 1 race on Arc day.

Bethell, 33, expressed confidence in Rogue Passion’s ability, highlighting her consistency and potential for growth. He noted that she was considered above average even before racing and praised her steady improvement throughout the season. “We’ve had a brilliant season so far, and with her in the yard, we’ve got a lot to look forward to next year, too,” Bethell said.

The filly faces stiff competition, including the unbeaten Musical Times, who is currently the favourite for next year’s Oaks and another of the Fillies’ Mile contenders. Other entrants expected to challenge Rogue Passion include Lex Victoria and Forbidden Fire, whose form is less established.

Despite the depth of the field, Bethell believes his filly’s credentials justify a leading market position, suggesting that her odds may be longer than warranted. “Clearly her form is as solid as a rock,” he stated. “We deserve to be at the top of the market, and I think we’re a bit overpriced.”

As the Future Champions Festival gets underway at Newmarket, all eyes will be on Rogue Passion as she attempts to capitalize on a breakthrough year for her trainer and stake her claim among the best juvenile fillies in the country.