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Dancing queen: Lavender's Blue set to tackle Sun Chariot for Abba star Andersson

Benny Andersson: the Abba star owns Lavender's Blue
Benny Andersson: the Abba star owns Lavender's BlueCredit: Edward Whitaker

Amanda Perrett hopes Abba's Benny Andersson could have another hit on his hands with Lavender's Blue in the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes on Saturday.

Lavender's Blue, who is owned by the popstar, emerged as a Group 1 contender with a stylish success at Sandown last time and is a top-priced 6-1 for the Sun Chariot at Newmarket.

"She's a very exciting filly," Perrett said on Monday. "She's been training really well and we're very pleased with her."

After a debut win on the Rowley Mile in April, the three-year-old was second in a Listed race at Newbury but finished a neck ahead of subsequent Irish Oaks and Prix Vermeille winner Star Catcher.

A crack at the Oaks did not go to plan as she finished last of 14 behind Anapurna, but after a lengthy break Lavender's Blue made a successful return in the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes at Sandown at the end of August.

Reflecting on her season, Perrett added: "The form of her Newbury race has worked out well.

"At Epsom there was no early pace and she was a bit too keen, and thankfully Silvestre [de Sousa] looked after her when she got tired. It took her a long time to get over that race and it was great to have her back at Sandown."

Although both her wins have come over Saturday's trip of a mile, Perrett thinks the Sea The Stars filly can go back up in distance next year, and added: "It's only her first season racing and hopefully she'll keep improving as she gets a bit older."

Following Monday's five-day entries stage, 11 fillies remain engaged in the Sun Chariot, with Falmouth Stakes winner Veracious heading the market.

Veracious (left) kicks on to win the Falmouth Stakes under Oisin Murphy
Veracious (left) kicks on to win the Falmouth Stakes under Oisin MurphyCredit: Alan Crowhurst

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained four-year-old is a top-priced 4-1, with Laurens also in the mix for Karl Burke.

French trainers have a good record in the race, and Henri-Alex Pantall has supplemented Madeleine Must for the race at a cost of £20,000. Pantall could also be represented by Crown Walk.

Matron Stakes winner Iridessa is a possible for Joseph O'Brien, while Aidan O'Brien accounts for three fillies remaining. Hermosa, who finished runner-up to Iridessa last time, heads his trio with Happen and I Can Fly his other possibles.


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