Proviso Faces Mile Mission

Connections of ante-post 1000 Guineas favourite Proviso concede the unbeaten filly faces her toughest task to date in Saturday's Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile.

The daughter of Dansili shot to prominence with a smooth success over Laureldean Gale at Deauville last month but takes a big step up in class in Ascot's Group One contest.

However, everyone involved with the Andre Fabre-trained filly has been delighted with her progress ahead of her first major test.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for owner Prince Khalid Abdullah, said: 'She's done very well so far and seems to have come out of the race in Deauville nicely.

'We think she has come on since, but she'll need to have as it will be a really tough race.

'Everyone seems to be really pleased with her at the moment and hopefully she can prove she is a really good filly.'

Among Proviso's chief opposition is Jim Bolger's Saoirse Abu, who will be seeking a third straight victory at the highest level after winning the Phoenix and Moyglare Stud Stakes.

Listen chased her home in the latter race and locks horns once more, while Ed Vaughan's Kotsi will bid to justify her supplementary entry with a bold show.

The Nayef filly finished second in the May Hill last time and will attempt to confirm form with fourth-placed Sugar Mint, who represents Barry Hills along with Kay Es Jay.

Hills' son and assistant trainer Charlie said: 'It's a big task and Sugar Mint is still a maiden but she's run some good races this year.

'She wasn't beaten too far in that Group Two last time and she's still lightly-raced and should improve again.

'Kay Es Jay should stay well on pedigree. She's Group Three-placed this year and hopefully she'll run well.'

Wadlia faces a baptism of fire as she makes her racecourse debut for Clive Brittain.

Saeed Manana's daughter of Lemon Drop Kid faces an extremely stiff first assignment, and while connections feel she is a classy sort, they are well aware of the scale of Saturday's task.

Bruce Raymond, racing director for Rabbah Bloodstock, told www.rabbah.co.uk: 'Clive feels Wadlia is a stakes filly, but she is rather being thrown in at the deep end bearing in mind the quality in the field.'

(C) PA Sport