'She could be a very good filly' - can Desert Flower extend her unbeaten run to three in the May Hill?

Charlie Appleby has been sparsely represented in this race over the last ten years. He’s had just two runners in that period, both of whom finished placed, but Desert Flower will clearly be his best chance yet as she is set to go off a hot favourite after two impressive wins at Newmarket.

The form of her novice success last month doesn’t amount to much (the fourth home is rated only 60), but the manner of her victory could not have been more emphatic as she easily put more than six lengths between herself and the rest.

Before that she comfortably beat Flight, who reopposes, and the runner-up has since given that form a healthy boost when winning easily at Sandown.

The extra furlong shouldn’t be an issue for the favourite, whose dam won over 1m1f. It is a big step up in class, though, and we are being asked to take short odds.

Aidan O’Brien fields two, including double winner January. She was an impressive winner in Listed company at Tipperary last month, but Ryan Moore has opted for Ecstatic, who won on the same Tipperary card in a time more than two seconds slower than her stablemate.

Ecstatic’s breeding is eyecatching, being by multiple Japanese Group 1 winner Lord Kanaloa out of Magic Wand, who herself won a Group 1 in Australia. With their eyes firmly on the international market, this is the sort of filly Coolmore want to hang their hat on.

The filly who comes out top on RPRs is Anshoda after her win in the Prestige Stakes at Goodwood last month. Two of the last eight winners have come from that Group 3, including Darnation, who did the double 12 months ago.

Anshoda saw her race out really well at Goodwood and, with plenty of stamina on the dam’s side, she should have no issues with this extra furlong.
Race analysis by James Hill

What they say

David Loughnane, trainer of Anshoda
She seems in great order and has come on from Goodwood. A step up to a mile will suit her and any rain overnight will also help too. It's a tougher task but fingers crossed she can put up a nice performance. She hasn't put a foot wrong and she's improved with each run, I've always felt she'd get better again over a mile. Hopefully, she can prove me right and it's another stepping stone towards the Breeders' Cup.

Tom Clover, trainer of Biniorella Bay
I think she's been a bit unlucky in her two runs since she won her maiden. She didn't get a smooth run in Deauville and the ground went against her at Goodwood. She didn't handle it, but she went very gallantly. I hope over a mile on better ground, albeit we're in a better race, she'd outrun her odds and run a nice race.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Desert Flower
Desert Flower won both her starts well on the July course and is going the right way. We feel that the step up to a mile here should bring about some more improvement, which will be needed at this level. We have been pleased with her preparation and are looking forward to seeing how she gets on in this company. Like much of the field, we will be a lot wiser after the race.

Gemma Tutty, trainer of Elsie's Ruan
Her prep has gone smoothly and I couldn't be happier with her both physically and mentally. Obviously, it's a tough ask, but we're really happy and we think she deserves her chance. She came out of Newmarket bouncing and we think the track and trip here will suit her better with a bit more juice in the ground. Hopefully, we have three ticks in the box and it'll be nice to see her put up another good run.

Oisin Murphy, rider of Flight
She was very good at Sandown but this looks a good renewal of the race. Desert Flower could be a very good filly, but I think going a mile and nice ground should suit her very well.

Ed Walker, trainer of Miss Tonnerre
The May Hill has been the plan pretty much since her debut at Newmarket, where she missed the break and did very well to win. She had some time off after that, so she could grow and strengthen and that's exactly what she's done. She's in great form and her work has been good.
Reporting by Stuart Riley

Read the rest of our Thursday previews:

2.25 Doncaster: 'We have the right man on board' - expert analysis and trainers' views for wide-open juvenile event

3.35 Doncaster: 'If she runs, she's in the form of her life' - but ground may leave last year's winner Sumo Sam vulnerable in open Park Hill

4.10 Doncaster: Well regarded and one-time 'possible Derby horse' given 'a fine opportunity' on his handicap debut