Tamfana will be ridden by Colin Keane in Sun Chariot Stakes © Photo Healy Racing
David Menuisier ’s Tamfana will be ridden by Colin Keane when she seeks to get the better of the Gosden-trained duo of Inspiral and Nashwa in Saturday’s Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes.
The three-year-old has held her own all season for owners Quantum Leap Racing, finishing fourth when beaten only a length in the 1000 Guineas and then missing out by an even smaller margin when third in the Prix de Diane.
A step up in trip for the Grand Prix de Paris proved educational as she did not appear to stay, but when dropped back to a mile for Sandown’s Atalanta Stakes, she got her head in front to claim the Group Three in good style.
She will now return to Group One level at Newmarket, this time with a new pilot on board as Oisin Murphy is committed to ride See The Fire for Andrew Balding, leaving four-time Irish champion Colin Keane to deputise in his absence.
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“It’s one of the busiest weekends of the year so it’s very difficult to replace a jockey like Oisin at the last minute,” said Menuisier.
“When you’re favourite or fancied in a Group One, you want all the positives on your side.
“There weren’t many top, top, top jockeys available and I’m extremely grateful that Colin decided to come and ride the filly rather than go to the Curragh on Saturday. Luckily she is pretty straightforward so it should be absolutely fine.”
He added: “The Sun Chariot looks a good opportunity for her.
“She’s had a good prep for it, with plenty of time to recuperate between her races, and she ran probably her best race of the season over the course and distance in the Guineas, so it makes perfect sense to go back to the scene of the crime. She goes on any ground, so soft going won’t be any problem for her.”
John and Thady Gosden have two of the most prolific mares in training in Inspiral and Nashwa and will pit them against one another for the first time at the weekend.
Inspiral will be ridden by Robert Havlin for the first time since her winning career debut in 2021 having predominantly been the mount of Frankie Dettori in past seasons.
© Photo Healy Racing
“We wouldn’t want any more rain between now and then, but Newmarket does dry really quick,” he said of the four-time Group One winner and reigning Sun Chariot heroine.
“Her preferred surface is fast ground, she obviously loves fast ground, but she’s coped with a bit slower in previous occasions.
“I led her on a racecourse gallop and Ryan (Moore) was really happy with her, I was happy with the way she quickened away from me and she’d done a nice piece of work the other morning.
“Hopefully the signs are there (for another big run), she’s had plausible excuses for the season so we are hoping we have got her somewhere back to her best.”
Nashwa is the other Clarehaven star to line up for the team and makes a return to action in the race having last been seen at Meydan in March.
She will be ridden as always by Hollie Doyle, who has to forfeit another regular ride to be present and leave James Doyle to team up with Trueshan in ParisLongchamp for the Prix du Cadran.
“It’s been a blow having Nashwa out of action for most of the season and her return has been a long time coming, but these things happen and it’s just great that the team have got her back on track for the Sun Chariot,” she said of Nashwa, who bids for a fourth Group One.
Nashwa and Hollie Doyle win the The Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes Group 1 © Photo Healy Racing
“I’ve only sat on her once since Dubai and that was last week, when she felt great. She’s a filly who in the past has taken a few runs to come to herself, but I was pleased with her and whatever happens here we hopefully have Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot to look forward to in two weeks’ time.”
She added: “It’s just such a shame my two superstars are running at different tracks on the same day, but I can’t be in two places at once. When I missed Trueshan in the Cadran three years ago it was through suspension and James won on him. That was a heartbreaking day, but I can’t complain too much this time.
“I’ll be watching him from Newmarket of course and wishing him well. He’s been such a star for Alan (King) and all of us who have been lucky enough to be connected with him.”
Roger Varian ’s Elmalka the winner of the 1000 Guineas over course and distance in May, is the mount of William Buick and drops back to the mile after finishing fourth in the Nassau over 10 furlongs when last seen.
“Elmalka is in good form and we are looking forward to seeing her back over a mile on Saturday,” said Varian.
“The Guineas form worked out and in fairness to her she hasn’t done much wrong since, as she ran well at Royal Ascot in the Coronation Stakes (fourth) and she ran well again at Goodwood in the Nassau. Both times were on fast ground and I think she’ll be more comfortable getting her toe in at Newmarket.”
Karl Burke ’s Darnation completes the six-strong field.
