Aidan O'Brien Aims for Fourth Matron Victory
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Photo: Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
Mother Earth wins the One Thousand Guineas at Newmarket Racecourse
Mother Earth is the standard-bearer in a good renewal. Winner of the QIPCO One Thousand Guineas (G1), she has maintained a high level of form all season and notched her second group 1 win of the campaign when winning the Prix Rothschild (G1) at Deauville last month.
If successful in the Coolmore America "Justify" Matron Stakes (G1), Mother Earth would become Aidan O'Brien's fourth Matron winner, following on from Hydrangea (2017), Alice Springs (2016), and Lillie Langtry (2010).
"Everything has gone well with Mother Earth since she won at Deauville," said trainer Aidan O'Brien. "She's a lovely, professional filly who relaxes and quickens and we're very happy with her."
Empress Josephine after her win in the Irish One Thousand Guineas at the Curragh
She may well be the ace in the pack but Tattersalls Irish One Thousand Guineas (G1) winner Empress Josephine should not be underestimated, for all that her chances would be bolstered by soft ground.
"We tried Empress Josephine over a mile and a quarter last time and she was a little bit keen," said O'Brien. "The pace of the race wasn't strong enough for her over that distance. She's very happy over a mile and any ease in the ground won't be a disadvantage to her."
No Speak Alexander , who got no luck in running behind Mother Earth in France, is another who would prefer softer going.
"(No Speak Alexander) handles easy ground and wouldn't mind if the rain gets in at all," said trainer Jessica Harrington. "She hasn't run since France—she got completely murdered that day—so it's best to put a line through that effort. She has been in great form since and we’re looking forward to running her."
Of the remaining 3-year-olds, Shale showed some of her old spark at the Curragh last time while outstanding juvenile Pretty Gorgeous needs a revival.
Champers Elysees was riding the crest of a wave when winning this last year but seems to have plenty on her plate for her repeat bid.
She will do well to reverse the form with Acanella , who had the Johnny Murtagh-trained 4-year-old held at the Curragh last time, and the most interesting older filly could be Epona Plays .
If she can get away well from stall 10 then she'll be dangerous let loose on the front end under Billy Lee, who famously guided Fiesolana to victory for Willie McCreery in this race back in 2014.
Lee has committed to Epona Plays over Pearls Galore but the Paddy Twomey-trained filly should not be underestimated, especially off the back of a hugely impressive Coolmore Stud No Nay Never Fairy Bridge Stakes (G3) win. She has rock-solid claims for a yard that doesn't do tilting at windmills.
"(Pearls Galore) has come out of her Fairy Bridge win in great form and will appreciate the track and ground conditions," said Twomey. "The step up to a mile should also bring about further improvement in her."