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| Staff Writer |
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Inspiral now has two options after her impressive victory in the Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket. She can either take a shot at Queen Elizabeth II Stakes redemption or make a trip to the Breeders' Cup
The 4YO filly trained by John and Thady Gosden has always been a top contender in her age group. She arrived at the Rowley Mile in top form after impressing at Deauville in the Prix Jacques le Marois. Not only was she aiming for her fifth win at the highest level, but she also had the added pressure of carrying her regular jockey Frankie Dettori to his 500th career victory in their hometown.
Despite the stakes, the Clarehaven training team had no need for nerves as the Cheveley Park Stud representative put on a stunning performance, turning the Group One feature into an effortless victory.
John Gosden said, “She was in top form today. The ground was quick, and she runs on anything bar the heavy of Goodwood.
“She showed a lot of class today, there is no doubt about it. She travelled well and there was a good pace. Andre Fabre’s dual Group One winner from Deauville (Mqse De Sevigne) was second so it is solid form.
“We missed the Lockinge as she had a muscle spasm problem so by the time we got to Royal Ascot (Queen Anne Stakes) she was only about 80 per cent fit.
“She was only beaten a neck that day and she got a touch tired in the last half a furlong, but she has been faultless since. She had an elaborate piece of work in the Sussex Stakes, but we were clear if she didn’t handle the ground wrap up on her and head to Deauville.
“There was a lot more pressure on today as she is a very good filly, and the ground is quicker than we would expect to find here in the autumn. It is real fast summer ground, but she has run absolutely superbly and I couldn’t be more pleased.”
Gosden is currently considering various options for future horse races. He wants to carefully evaluate each one before making a decision. One possibility is to participate in the QEII race at Ascot, where he hopes to make up for last year's disappointment. Another option is to travel to the United States for the Breeders' Cup Mile. However, the final decision will be made by Patricia Thompson, who is in charge of Cheveley Park.
“Plans, we will see,” continued Gosden. “She is in the QEII and she could be entered at the Breeders’ Cup, but we won’t make a decision for at least a week or two.”
“I always want to see how they are two or three days after the race before making any grandiose plans, let alone plans.
“They would be the two options if she is in good nick. One lady will decide, if she races on, and that is Mrs Thompson. That was only her fourth run this year and she is weighing the heaviest she has ever weighed.”