Trainer Andrew Balding confident about I Love Me’s chances in the Woodcote Stud EBF Valiant Stakes
Trainer Andrew Balding believes that if anyone should succeed in the Woodcote Stud EBF Valiant Stakes at Ascot on 27th July, 2012, it should be his charge, I Love Me.
Rider Jimmy Fortune will ride her in the 1 mile race, the runner has the potential to do it but her record is short on victories except for the one she secured in the £200,000 Tattersalls Millions Auction Trophy at Newmarket in 2010, which served as
her maiden.
The daughter of Cape Cross, out of mare Garanciere, might not have an impressive record but, she has run her heart out in every race she has run.
Her best effort was when she secured the 4th spot at Royal in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes in June, 2011.
Balding believes that the four-year-old has returned to form and is ready to take on the track to succeed.
Regarding her form, he said:
"She obviously had a long time off and I think she has just needed her first two runs back."
The trainer continued:
"She's spot-on now fitness-wise and has good form over the course and distance having run well in last year's Coronation Stakes, so fingers crossed she'll run very well."
I Love Me’s trip to success will not be without challenges, as she will face the Roger Charlton trained, Thistle Bird and the Richard Hannon trained, Free Verse.
Rider James Doyle will be aboard Thistle Bird, who notched a brilliant victory in the Betfred The Bonus King Stakes (Registered As The Midsummer Stakes) on 30th June, 2012, over 1 mile and half-furlong.
Charlton is satisfied with the way the bay filly looks and, he is hoping that she can performance better from her last outing at Windsor.
The handler said that the good to firm surface of the track should work in her favour as she appreciates ground that is slightly fast.
Regarding Free Verse, trainer Richard Hannon said:
"Though The Queen's Free Verse looked to revel in the soft ground when winning at Newmarket last time and will find this surface totally different.”
The daughter of Danehill Dancer scored in the Piper-Heidsieck E B F Fillies' Handicap at Newmarket on 13th July, 2012, over a distance of seven furlongs.
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