Richard Hannon won the Molecomb Stakes for a third time in six years as Pershaada justified favouritism. The Persian Force filly was a course and distance winner in May, before her fourth at Royal Ascot.
It was a fairly comfortable victory, as she travelled smoothly in midfield under Sean Levey. Once Levey pressed the button, the response was immediate. She drew two lengths clear of the unbeaten Adonius, who arguably ran a career best effort in defeat.
Middleham Park won the Alice Keppel Conditions Stakes at this meeting with The Platinum Queen in 2022, who went on to run in the Nunthorpe. It was a huge performance to finish second, and Pershaada may bid to go one better for the syndicate.
Speaking to the Press Association, via Racing TV, Richard Hannon said: “She ran here a couple of months ago and I think she broke the track record.
“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 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 Book One. It seems to me that with the weight allowance she’ll have a great chance.”
King George to shakeup Nunthorpe market
Pershaada was entered into the Nunthorpe market as a 10-1 chance, though she will have to be supplemented.
Palace of Holyroodhouse winner Bacio heads the Nunthorpe market after his blistering Ascot performance. Wesley Ward has had close shaves in the race with Acapulco and Lady Aurelia, both finishing second.
The market could well be shaken up on Friday following the King George Qatar Stakes. Night Raider is prominent in the Nunthorpe market and heads the betting at Goodwood. He was fourth in the race last season, but now he’s seemingly improved, he could well better that.
JM Jungle wasn’t far behind last season, unsuited by a double figure draw. He’s not been given a hard time of things this season, and could be a fair price should he run well on Friday.
Jakajaro has improved sharply this season, including taking a handicap at York impressively off joint top weight. He’s been consistent in three efforts since, and success in pattern company looks inevitable.
No two year old has won the race since Kingsgate Native in 2007, but Pershaada certainly looks sharp enough to be competitive.