Echelon Aiming High

Connections of Echelon are hoping the decision to supplement the filly for tomorrow's Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes pays off.

Owners Cheveley Park Stud forked out a sizeable fee to add the Celebration Mile winner to the field for the Group One event and managing director Chris Richardson is hoping she can justify their faith.

'Echelon is in good form and it was obviously wonderful to win at Goodwood,' he said.

'We had hoped to come for this race but we had other entries we were considering, although a Group One is the ultimate aim.

'We are pleased we have convinced Mr and Mrs Thompson (owners of Cheveley Park) to supplement and it's fingers crossed.

'It was 25,000 euros which is a significant proportion of the prize money, but her paddock value would be increased if she could make the frame.

'She's won two Group Threes this year and then came back to win a Group Two, so it's natural progression.'

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Echelon and last year's winner Red Evie appear likely to dominate the market but Richardson has one eye on John Oxx's 1000 Guineas runner up Arch Swing.

'Arch Swing is another filly with proven form you would have to consider if she comes back to her best and she loves fast ground,' he told At The Races.

Echelon and the Michael Bell-trained Red Evie form part of a four-strong British raid along with Barshiba and Sweet Lilly.

(C) PA Sport