The Mandarin’s Saturday Selections for 7th October 2023

The Mandarin’s Saturday Selections from Ascot, Newmarket, The Curragh & Chantilly

Ascot

Blue Eagle Rous Stakes (Listed) 1.50
Nymphadora
Andrew Balding can get off to a winning start with Nymphadora in this Listed contest. This No Nay Never filly bounced back from a couple of underwhelming runs to take the runners-up spot at Newbury in a Group 3 last month, and can add to the winning tally here eased in grade. Emaraaty Ana is into the veteran stage of his career now, but is still useful, so rates the main danger, but Nymphadora is less exposed, so gets the nod

Jim Barry Cumberland Lodge Stakes (Group 3) 2.25
Al Aasy (nb)
Al Aasy has been dominant returned to 10 furlongs this season, and was just a half-length behind Adelaide River last time out back at a mile and a half. He made just the one appearance last year, winning over this course and distance in the Group 3 Buckhounds Stakes, but seems to be in fine fettle this summer. Good ground and a return to Ascot looks favourable, and a big run is on the cards

John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes (Group 3) 3.00
Dark Trooper
Ed Walker might have the answer to this Group 3 with the prolific Dark Trooper. This Dark Angel gelding has been on a real roll this summer, winning four on the trot, including the last two over course and distance. Michael Dods’s Commanche Falls is another having a belting time of it, winning at The Curragh, Newbury and York, so has to enter calculations with plenty of experience at this level, but Dark Trooper probably hasn’t reached his ceiling yet, so gets the nudge.

Howden Challenge Cup (Heritage Handicap) 3.35
Quinault
In a hot handicap, Stuart Williams will be hoping his progressive Oasis Dream gelding can score yet again. Since taking a Class 5 race at Brighton back in May when returned to turf, he hasn’t looked back, winning five of his next six starts, including here over course and distance last month. He took that race by a neck from the re-opposing Popmaster, but is 3lbs better off at the weights this time, so tops our shortlist in this fine run of form

McGee Group British EBF October Stakes (Listed) (Filles & Mares) 4.10
Nigiri
The improving Nigiri might be the one to keep on side for this Listed contest. She’s progressed with every run this summer, and was a solid runner-up in the Group 3 Sceptre Stakes at Doncaster behind the smart Matilda Picotte, with 2022 1,000 Guineas winner, Cachet, well held in fourth. Ralph Beckett has his string in fine order, so Nigiri can take on Cell Sa Beela and Breege in a decent looking race

Newmarket

Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes (Group 1) (Fillies & Mares) 3.15
Heredia
There’s sure to be plenty of Support for Frankie Dettori on Inspiral as he gets to the end of his final season, but the progressive Heredia might cause a shock on the Rowley Mile. Richard Hanon’s Dark Angel filly likes to arrive late on the scene, and those tactics could pay off against the hot favourite, Inspiral, who is likely to have made her move going into the dip. The intriguing French raider, Mqse De Sevigne goes for a third Group One on the bounce after a brace of wins at Deauville, but might find things happening a tad quick on this surface, but nevertheless she is in the mix. A top-class renewal in store, with the chance taken on Heredia to swoop late for Group One honours

The Curragh

Staffordstown Stud Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies) 1.45
Kitty Rose (nap)
Unbeaten in two starts, Kitty Rose can serve it up to the re-opposing Content once again. She was over 2 lengths clear of the Ballydoyle inmate at Leopardstown in that Listed contest, and with the step up to a mile here sure to suit, this Invincible Army filly is hard to oppose. Brilliant now looks Aidan O’Brien’s first string, but Natalia Lupini’s Kitty Rose is an exciting find and gets the nod

Darley Irish EBF Brigid’s Pastures Stakes (Listed) (Fillies & Mares) 3.30
Aussie Girl
Fozzy Stack’s filly is so often the bridesmaid with no less than five runners-up spots this season, but gets a chance to add to the win tally here. Less than 2 lengths behind the useful Pink Crystal in the Scottish Sprint Stakes at Ayr two weeks ago, she should appreciate this return to 6 furlongs and has a fine record here at Headquarters. Colin Keane is booked for the trip, and with an ideal draw in Stall 4, Aussie Girl is the one to follow

Chantilly

Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte (Group 2) 1.50
Dawn Charger
The feature at Chantilly can go to Karl Burke’s Dawn Charger, who was so impressive winning the Eclipse Stakes over course and distance last month. Despite the close attentions of Laulne, this Soldier’s Call filly found plenty for pressure to land that Group 3 race, and can take the step up to a Group 2 company in her stride. Fellow British raider, Spanish Phoenix looks useful, as does George Scott’s consistent Seven Questions, but Dawn Charger has the course form and can beat home hope, Classic Flower, for Group 2 Honours

The Mandarin