Godolphin’s Majeyda can step up in grade for Empress Stakes

Godolphin have endured a troubled season but the victory of Dawn Approach at Royal Ascot could signal an upturn in their fortunes. Saeed Bin Suroor ran a number of promising two-year-olds at the Berkshire track and Majeyda certainly looked like a filly with a good future on her debut.

Steadied after a fast break, she had to be driven to close down the leaders but quickly put four lengths between herself and the favourite Genuine Quality at Leicester. The runner-up had previously chased home Queen Mary winner Rizeena so the form looks solid and she must have an excellent chance on Saturday.

The likely second favourite is Richard Hannon’s Fig Roll who ran a fine race when fourth behind Rizeena at Ascot. She was previously third behind Sandiva at Naas in a listed race and is sure to run her usual game race.

Ventura Mist was a 40-1 shot at Ascot but ran with credit until weakening in the closing stages and will be more at home in this company. She won the Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley on her previous start and is clearly a fast filly.

Hannon is also represented by Lingfield winner Jive who stepped up considerably on her earlier efforts. Hoku has been beaten by some speedy types in Quatuor and Beldale Memory. The latter did nothing for the form at Ascot but that cannot have been a fair reflection on her ability and Hoku must also have claims here.

David O’Meara’s Sunny Harbor won well at Redcar and will have the assistance of Ryan Moore in the saddle. Noel Quinlan’s Love In The Desert won well at Thirsk last time whilst Lady Chantilly sprang a 20-1 surprise at Warwick on her only start.

Frankie Dettori rides Lady Lydia for Michael Wigham, a winner at Yarmouth before finishing second here last month behind Justice Day. Lingfield winner Disko and the maidens Rough Courte and Sweet Alibi make up the field.