Pershaada pounces to set up potential Nunthorpe bid

Pershaada showcased patience and a devastating turn of foot to land the Veuve Clicquot Molecomb Stakes at the Qatar Goodwood Festival — in the process setting herself up for a tilt at the Nunthorpe Stakes.

Richard Hannon ’s Persian Force filly was a course and distance winner on her turf debut in May and that experience came to the fore after running into trouble at the halfway point of the five-furlong contest.

A gap had closed on the 11-4 favourite, but Sean Levey bided his time to burst through another opening and reel in long-time leader Adonius who had to settle for a two-length second.

The result meant the form of the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot was enhanced once again, with Pershaada, who was fourth to Victorious, and Wild Blossom seventh, picking up Group Three successes in quick succession on the day.

Hannon Eyes Nunthorpe Following Molecomb Triumph

“She ran here a couple of months ago and I think she broke the track record,” said Hannon.

“I thought she’d run very well today, she’s been working very nicely. We trained the stallion, Persian Force, so it’s great for him.

“She’s a very talented filly and I think we might go for the Nunthorpe now. Lyric Fantasy (trained by Hannon’s father, Richard senior) did and she looks like she’s quick enough too.

“I’m delighted for the owners, this is a very, very good filly who we bought from (Tattersalls) Book One.

“It seems to me that with the weight allowance she’ll have a great chance (at York).”

American Dream Retained for Runner-Up Adonius

Rebecca Menzies was taking plenty of positives from the run of Adonius, saying: “It was so good to get the opportunity to prove we can handle this type of horse. He’s not the normal type of horse we’re known for training, but I absolutely adore training him and want more of him. I think they’re very hard to find and we’re very lucky.

“We could maybe go for a Group Three in France as he goes on a bit of cut in the ground as well. These lads (American owners) all want to go to America, the ‘win and you’re in’ (for the Breeders’ Cup) today would have been nice, but that’s still on the agenda.

“I think there’s also a $350,000 race and I’d love for this horse to end up in America, so that’s the dream and we’ll work back from that. If we could win a Group race in between that would be brilliant.”