'This summer she's blossomed' - Boughey fields transformed filly in hot handicap

Saturday: 3.00 Ascot
Betfred Heritage Handicap | 5f | 3yo+ | ITV/Sky

Lovely Mana has "improved out of sight" this summer, according to her trainer George Boughey, and he harbours plenty of hope the progressive filly can take another step forward in this £100,000 handicap.

The three-year-old has risen 17lb in nine runs since moving from David Loughnane's yard, winning three of them, including a dominant success at Sandown last time.

Boughey said: "She has improved out of sight and I'm not sure why. This summer she's just blossomed, put on weight and we're able to run her back quite quickly. She's been amazing."

The trainer was heartened by the feedback from William Buick after her latest win and believes conditions will suit her.

"This is another step up but I think the track will suit her and we're drawn next to the favourite near the pace," he said. "She's always been a good workhorse and William got off her at Sandown and said she felt like a stakes horse, so we're hopeful."

Boughey also runs two-time winner Corazon, who was last seen finishing down the field in the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes.

"Corazon is in good form," he said. "She had a setback at the back-end of last year and hasn't been straightforward. She'll step forward massively from this but it's a nice starting point."

What they say

Nicola Barron, joint-trainer of Zarzyni and Venturous
We've had this race in mind for Zarzyni since the spring because it's the big sprint handicap at the track with good prize-money. He seems very well and we're happy. Venturous is at an age where he has to take his chance in races like this and he always has his day.

Ed Walker, trainer of Mountain Peak
He's won at Ascot twice before and finished second in this race in 2020. Although he's on a career-high mark, he's been in flying form this season and went heartbreakingly close in the Dash at Epsom last time.

Archie Watson, trainer of Tabdeed
The Wokingham was a write-off after he was interfered with by a loose horse out of the stalls. I have been very happy with him at home since and the stiff five furlongs on quick ground should suit him.

Tim Easterby, trainer of Count D'Orsay
He was very unlucky last time and he should have a big chance. The track suits him.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Equality
He ran a great race in the Dash at Epsom and should be sharper for that. It's a competitive event but he should run a solid race.

Kevin Philippart de Foy, trainer of Cairn Gorm
He's been a bit keen in his two races for us so far, so we're dropping him back in trip and hopefully that will suit him. We think he'll be suited by the track.

Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power Racing, owners of Stone Of Destiny
He's run a bit flat the last two or three times but Ascot is a track that should suit him. He's down to a very favourable mark if he decides he's on a going day.

Saturday's race previews:

3.15 Newmarket: 'You don't do what he did unless you're special' - Superlative Stakes lowdown

3.35 Ascot: Can Chindit make it a terrific ten straight winning favourites in Summer Mile?

3.50 Newmarket: Can Samburu end long three-year-old drought in the Bunbury Cup for the Gosdens?

4.05 York: Does William Haggas hold the Cup key again with lightly raced Mahrajaan?

4.25 York: 'Special horse' Perfect Power bids for fourth Group 1 success

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