Classic Heroines Set For Chariot Clash

Finsceal Beo and Speciosa, the last two winners of the 1000 Guineas, are among 15 left in the Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday at the confirmation stage.

The former, trained by Jim Bolger, was narrowly denied in the French Guineas before making no mistake in the Irish equivalent and is the only remaining Irish entry for the Group One race over a mile.

Speciosa has not got her head in front since last year's Guineas over this course and distance but has run creditably in defeat, notably when second to Manduro at Newmarket and chasing home Peeping Fawn in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh.

She is on target for the weekend, with trainer Pam Sly recalling Speciosa was a late withdrawal 12 months ago.

'It was right on the morning of the race. She was always kicking the wall, although she doesn't do it now,' she said.

'She was lame behind and we had her scanned and found there was a spot of heat in the bone. It wasn't broken, but I think it would have done had she carried on.

'She's been fine this year and she's ready to go.'

Cheveley Park Stud have a strong hand in Matron Stakes heroine Echelon, Nannina and Heaven Sent, while trainer Jeremy Noseda can call on Rahiyah and Simply Perfect.

The other possibles are Bahia Breeze, Harvest Queen, Wake Up Maggie, Barshiba, Darrfonah, Majestic Roi, Silk Blossom, and Whazzis.

? PA Sport