Friday updates: Ballydoyle runner backed to down unbeaten Desert Flower in Fillies' Mile as new Persian War favourite emerges

Punters are putting their faith in the might of Ballydoyle in the Group 1 bet365 Fillies' Mile (3.35) as January has come in for support.

The filly put in a powerful finish to chase home the unbeaten favourite Desert Flower in the May Hill Stakes last time and has been cut to as short as 7-2. She was as big as 7-1 last night. Her Doncaster conqueror is holding sway at the top of the market at 5-6.

The daughter of top performer I Can Fly is the choice of stable jockey Ryan Moore, who could also have ridden stablemates Dreamy and Ballet Slippers. After five runs, she is the most experienced of the trio. 

Aidan O'Brien is currently tied as the race's most successful trainer with Sir Henry Cecil and John Gosden, but success for any of his three runners would see him stand alone on seven victories.

Ylang Ylang (left): won last year's Fillies' Mile for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan MooreCredit: Edward Whitaker

The trainer won the race with Ylang Ylang a year ago, as well as with Sunspangled (1998), Listen (2007), Together Forever (2014), Minding (2015) and Rhododendron (2016).

In our race preview, he said: "January is in good form since Doncaster and we were very happy with her run. Dreamy is a big filly who is going to be better next year. We weren't sure whether we would let her take her chance here but she seems to be in good form and we think the experience will do her good ahead of next year.

"Ballet Slippers is progressing lovely and she was very happy when stepping up to a mile at Ascot. She will come on plenty for her first run in this company but we've been happy with her since."

The going at Newmarket is good to soft, good in places after a dry night. The forecast suggests it will be frosty this morning and cool later this afternoon, but there is no rain predicted throughout the day.

Flying towards a family winner in Persian War

The jumps season gets underway at Chepstow and the market is pointing firmly towards a local family victory in the feature Grade 2 Unibet Persian War Novices' Hurdle (3.15).

Flying Fortune, who is trained in Little Newcastle by father-and-son combination Peter and Micky Bowen, has been backed into 2-1 from 7-2 last night and usurped Ryan's Rocket at the head of the market. 

She will bid for a four-timer under Peter's son and Micky's brother James and will have a fitness advantage over some of her rivals after winning in July, August and September. She can also take advantage of a handy 7lb sex allowance. 

James Bowen: set to partner Flying Fortune for his father and brother in the Persian WarCredit: Edward Whitaker

Micky said: "She's come out of her last race great and she's in great form. I think the ground is a bit softer, but I'm sure she'll cope with it."

Ironically, Peter, Micky and James have yet to win a Persian War, but James's brother Sean has having partnered El Bandit to success for Paul Nicholls in 2016.

Racing Post Spotlight writer Chris Wilson is in agreement with the market move as Flying Fortune is his best bet of the day at the track.

Non-runners

Newmarket
1.47 Pearl Of Windsor (going)

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