View from connections ahead of Saturday’s Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket.

Miss France: Returns to Newmarket on Saturday

Miss France returns to the scene of her finest hour as she features in a formidable three-pronged raid by Andre Fabre on the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

The three-year-old Dansili filly recorded a neck success from Lightning Thunder in the Qipco 1000 Guineas in May but has been seen just twice since then, when fifth in the Prix de Diane over 1o furlongs and second to stablemate Esoterique in the Prix Rothschild.

Esoterique reopposes, but Fabre is expecting the return to Headquarters to suit Maxime Guyon’s mount. Esoterique (Pierre-Charles Boudot) was a surprise winner on the day in Deauville, but was subsequently a close fourth to Charm Spirit in the Prix du Moulin.

Fabre also runs the Mickael Barzalona-ridden Fintry, who has been beaten just once in her career and won the Atalanta Stakes at Sandown.

Fabre said: “I have saved Miss France for this race, she is fresh and in very good shape and we know from her 1000 Guineas win that she enjoys the Rowley Mile.

“We have decided to take advantage of the weather and the good ground with Esoterique, who could afterwards go on to the Breeders’ Cup or to Japan.

“She was a bit unlucky to be drawn wide in the Prix du Moulin and was left with a lot of ground to make up. She could have won as she is in the same league as the three horses that finished in front of her.

“Fintry won a Group Two in the spring before she was affected by a virus. She needed the race at Sandown last time but was still good enough to win and is a very easy ride – she can make the running or come from behind.”

Integral was second 12 months ago to Sky Lantern, and the pair line-up for a rematch.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Integral has twice been beaten by Esoterique including when third in the Rothschild, when connections felt she was unsuited by how the race was run.

Chris Richardson, managing director of owners Cheveley Park Stud, said: “Integral bruised her off-fore foot during the Rothschild and was not sound afterwards.

“That, combined with it being a messy race where the four-runner field split in two, was the reason for her not performing as we expected.

“We have given her plenty of time since then and we intentionally missed the Matron Stakes to get her ready for this. I watched her work on Saturday when she went nicely and looked to be right on target.

“She is much stronger this year and although we have huge respect for Andre Fabre, who does not come over unless he thinks that he will win, we wouldn’t swap her for anything.

“Sir Michael Stoute is a master at being patient with fillies like her that need time to mature and the chances are extremely high that she may stay in training next year.”

Richard Hannon is eager to get Sky Lantern back in action with the filly having had just two starts this term, finishing behind Integral in both the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Falmouth at Newmarket in July.

However, Hannon feels Sky Lantern is back on song now and is keen to see how she fares before mapping out any further plans.

“We have been very patient with her, waiting all summer for her to come back to herself, and this past month she has suddenly come alive in the mornings,” he told www.richardhannonracing.co.uk.

“She seems to really enjoy the fabulous grass gallop up at Everleigh and we have really been pleased with her recent work, so, hopefully, she will vindicate the decision to keep her in training at four.

“She beat Integral in the race last year, but it looks a very hot renewal with Integral having enjoyed a great summer and Andre Fabre sending over three, but we are just happy to have Sky Lantern back, and how she runs will determine our next move.”

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