Usherette to show Falmouth rivals the way home
Published:
David Metcalf | July 7, 2016
Usherette to turn on the style in Falmouth Stakes
French raider Usherette looks a worthy odds-on favourite to land the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes on day two of Newmarket’s July Festival (16.15).
The Andre Fabre trained filly has won six of her seven starts and is unbeaten in four outings this season.
They include a smooth success in the Group 2 Dahlia Stakes where she showed a smart turn of foot to readily beat Arabian Queen by a length.
Usherette was value for more than the winning margin, and the pair pulled 4 1/2 lengths clear of the third home Amazing Maria who re-opposes in this.
Ultra-impressive at Royal Ascot
The four-year-old backed that up with an ultra-impressive display in the Group 2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot where she beat Forza Cruzada with ease.
After travelling strongly off the pace, the daughter of Shamardal was produced to take up the running a furlong and quickened instantly when asked to put the race to bed and score by 2 1/4 lengths.
It was a performance which oozed class and Usherette can take the step up into Group 1 company in her stride to follow-up.
Alice Springs the main danger
Usherette has nothing to fear from the aforementioned Amazing Maria who won this 12 months ago, or Always Smile who finished third behind her at Royal Ascot, and the biggest danger looks to be Alice Springs.
The filly hails from the all conquering yard of Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien and has posted some solid efforts to make the frame in Group 1 contests this season.
They include a four length third of 16 to brilliant stable companion Minding in the English 1,000 Guineas and a fine 1 3/4 lengths third to Qemah in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Unlucky in Coronation Stakes
Alice Springs looked unlucky in the latter, encountering stacks of trouble two from home before flying home when eventually seeing daylight to nearly snatch second.
It was a terrific effort given how the race panned out, and the the three-year-old receives a handy 9lb age allowance from Usherette and has the assistance of Ryan Moore in the saddle.
Related
Coral’s top tip: Usherette is a class act and rates a solid bet to land the spoils for France. Alice Springs can chase her home.
