Soviet on song ahead of QEII tilt
Tuesday, 21 September 2004 15:17Connections of Soviet Song are upbeat about their fillies chances ahead of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, as she bids to confirm her status as the best miler in Europe.
The four-year-old has already completed a hat-trick in Group One races over the distance and is ante-post favourite to make it a four-timer.
She pleased trainer James Fanshawe in her final exercise this morning to remain firmly on course for the £250,000 contest.
"She did a piece of work this morning and she seems fine after that," Fanshawe told At The Races today.
Soviet Song has proved herself to be a top-notch miler this season with wins at the highest level in the Falmouth, Sussex and Matron Stakes.
And Fanshawe reports that she has taken her latest run in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown in her stride.
He said: "She has come out of the race well and the only worry is that it comes quite quick but there are some horses declared who ran in the Irish Champion Stakes as well."
Her jockey Johnny Murtagh is not worried about the state of the ground: He said: "She's won on good to firm and on soft. I think the real good ones go on any ground. I expect her to run a very big race.
"The opposition is very good. They are the best milers around. But she's beaten most of them before and her form is very solid. she has to have a favourite's chance.
