'She's really good' - Mrs Fitzherbert out to confirm class in Group 3 company

Saturday: 2.35 Epsom
Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Sponsored By Cazoo) (Group 3) | 1m½f | 3yo+ fillies & mares | ITV/RTV

The key form line for this intriguing Group 3 could well be the one which saw Mrs Fitzherbert get the better of Bashkirova by half a length at Goodwood in the Conqueror Fillies' Stakes last month.

The winner may have been 12-1 as opposed to odds of 7-2 returned by the runner-up, but there seemed no fluke about that result.

The last one off the bridle in that six-runner Listed event, Mrs Fitzherbert unleashed a good turn of foot to beat Bashkirova – a big, powerful filly who had won three of her four previous starts.

The pair meet again on identical terms and while there is a case that Bashkirova could have come on a fair bit for her reappearance, that argument could also be made for Mrs Fitzherbert.

Based on the Goodwood run, it appears there is very little between the two and the Epsom outcome is likely to be decided on which four-year-old handles the tricky gradients best and enjoys a smooth passage.

Roman Mist and Potapova also renew rivalry after being separated by a head in a Kempton fillies’ Listed race in April.

The Tom Ward-trained Roman Mist had the benefit of a previous outing on that occasion and kept on gamely to fend off the powerful finish of Potapova, who was making her first visit to a racecourse since September.

Potapova, who looks just the type of four-year-old filly which Sir Michael Stoute excels with, took time to engage top gear at Kempton, but caught the eye with the way in which she picked up inside the final furlong.

Roman Mist and Potapova meet on the same terms, but few would be surprised if the Stoute-trained runner emerged on top this time.

Technique, who has valuable Epsom experience on her side, looks the other to consider and she was only beaten four and a half lengths in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood last summer.

Fitzherbert out for another fine performance

Hughie Morrison hopes Mrs Fitzherbert will once again put her best foot forward once again with another career-best effort following her winning start to her campaign at Goodwood.

Successful in three of her last four races, the daughter of Kingman produced her most impressive performance so far in a Listed contest at the Sussex track under George Rooke, who is unbeaten in three rides on her, to beat Bashkirova by half a length.

The impression is she may not always be the easiest of fillies to train, but Morrison appears to have found the key ahead of her first start in Group company.

"I thought she’d run well at Goodwood," Morrison said. "I was very pleased with her that day. We’re stepping up to Group 3 level after winning a Listed race which is the usual way to go. When she’s good, she’s really good."

Mrs Fitzherbert will be tested by the intense atmosphere of Epsom on Derby day and the unique nature of the track, with Morrison unsure if she will handle the cambers.

"I don’t know for sure if she’ll handle the track," he added. "But she came down the hill nicely at Goodwood and she skipped round the bend at Lingfield when she won there, but Epsom is unique. We’ll have to see."

What they say

William Haggas, trainer of Bashkirova
She's very well. She has a bit to find with Mrs Fitzherbert on form from last year, but it's an open race and looks the right spot for her. Hopefully she can follow them round and get some black type.

Ed Crisford, joint-trainer of Miss Marble
It’s a step up from handicap company, but she won really well at Nottingham. It’s a punchy enough affair, but she deserves to take her chance in a Group race. She’ll like the track and I’m sure she’ll run a good race.

Tom Ward, trainer of Roman Mist
She won a Listed race at Kempton last time. It’s a step up in grade, but she has form tied in with many of the runners. I don’t see why she won’t handle the track and the ground will be lovely. She should run well.

Martyn Meade, joint-trainer of Technique
She’s a lovely filly and we’re very excited about her. She ran extremely well at Epsom in the Derby Trial last year. She’s very well balanced and enjoys that sort of track. We were thrilled with her reappearance run at Nottingham and she's developed a lot over the last year.

Jack Channon, assistant to Mick Channon, trainer of Flash Betty
She’s been chucked in the deep end, but three-year-olds have a great record in the race. Any cut in the ground will maximise her chance enormously.

Derby day previews:

2022 Cazoo Derby pinstickers' guide: quotes and ratings for every horse

2.00 Epsom: Can Newbury eyecatcher overcome poor draw to land tough handicap?

3.10 Epsom: Does Modern News deserve his short price? Robbie Wilders doesn't think so

3.45 Epsom: The Dash: how the draw could be all important in the world's fastest race

4.30 Epsom: 'He's done nothing wrong' - is Desert Crown destined for Derby greatness?

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