Fanshawe eyes winning tune again
Monday, 25 July 2005 14:34Trainer James Fanshawe is pleased with the form of his star mare, Soviet Song, ahead of her tilt to repeat last year's victory in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday.
Johnny Murtagh will again be aboard the five-year-old as she bids for back-to-back wins in the Group One contest after she held off the late challenge of Nayyir 12 months ago.
"So far Soviet's preparation has gone nicely and she seems well in herself," Fanshawe told At The Races.
"Around Goodwood, you just hope that you get some luck in running. I just hope that we get there in one piece and things go smoothly for her during the race.
"I am never confident in Group Ones, I think you are better off that way as you can't get disappointed if things don't go your way.
"Things went pretty well for her at Newmarket and I hope that she has come on for that race - she seems pretty well in herself."
There is one Irish representative - St James' Palace Stakes runner-up - Ad Valorem (Aidan O'Brien).
Gerard Butler's Nayyir, who went down by a neck to Soviet Song in the mile race last year, will reoppose following a pleasing seasonal bow when beaten a quarter-length into third in the Criterion Stakes.
The Luca Cumani-trained Le Vie Dei Colori was third last year and will again take his chance, while Jeremy Noseda runs his young pretender Proclamation.
A winner over course and distance in May after disappointing in the Dante, the three-year-old impressively landed the Jersey Stakes at the Royal meeting and will be ridden by Mick Kinane.
Last year's Celebration Mile winner Chic will represent Sir Michael Stoute with Mac Love, Quito and John Gosden's unbeaten Sleeping Indian completing the field.
