Brian Meehan is excited about the season ahead with Field Day as she prepares to return to the fray in the Qatar Bloodstock Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket on Sunday.
The Cape Cross filly followed up a Salisbury handicap win with an impressive display in Listed company at Ascot last July and she went on to run well twice in France, most recently finishing fourth in the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp on Arc day.
Meehan feels there is more to come from his charge this year, although he has warned she will strip fitter for this first run since October.
Speaking on his website, www.brianmeehanatmanton.com, the trainer said: “This lovely filly has been working well and is in excellent shape for her return. She improved throughout last season, winning an Ascot Listed race. She was unlucky at Deauville and then finished fourth in the Prix de l’Opera.
“She looks to have improved – in typical Ballymacoll Stud fashion – and while she may just need the run, we expect a big performance.”
Contredanse won the Italian Oaks for her trainer Luca Cumani last year and also makes her return, but he too is concerned about a lack of race fitness.
“She’s done really well over the winter but might just need this first run as she’s a very lazy filly at home,” the trainer told his website.
“But looking at the opposition, going very close first time out is still well within her capabilities.”
A total of 11 fillies go to post, with Ballymacoll Stud’s colours being carried by both Field Day and Eleanora Duse.
Amanda Perrett saddles her three-time winner Mirror Lake, while the Gerard Butler-trained Pachattack and Chachamaidee from the Henry Cecil stable are other major contenders for Group Three honours.
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