Vita Nova aiming for British Champions Day glory

Vita Nova (nearside) just loses out to Ferdoos in the Lancashire Oaks at Haydock Park – the pair are set to clash again on Saturday.  Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

Sir Henry Cecil looks set to fire his first bullet on QIPCO British Champions Day in the third race on the card, the £250,000 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes over one and a half miles, with one of his up and coming stars, Vita Nova.

The fast improving four-year-old suffered a small setback 10 days ago, but has recovered well and as long as she pleases in her work tomorrow, is likely to take her chance on Saturday.

Runner-up to Blue Bunting in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks on her latest start (Blue Bunting was not confirmed today after failing to sparkle on the gallops at the weekend), the lightly raced filly is held in very high regard at Warren Place.

She was one of 14 fillies and mares confirmed for the race today which shows great strength in depth.

Dancing Rain, winner of the Epsom and German Oaks, has been showing up very well in her work in her recent weeks and must have a huge chance, while Ferdoos, Gertrude Bell, Meeznah (who also remains engaged in the Long Distance Cup) and Sea Of Heartbreak all won last time out and would bring high class form to the race if they are declared to run on Thusday morning.

Potential Irish challengers Banimpire (also entered in the QIPCO Champion Stakes) and Bible Belt and the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Crystal Capella have also put up top class performances this year.

Sir Henry Cecil said today: “Hopefully we will run Vita Nova.

“She had a slight hiccup – she either got cast in her box or knocked herself, but she has had tests and been x-rayed and seems to have come right. She had been working well before that. “

"She will have her final piece of work tomorrow. She is an improving filly and hopefully there is more to come.

“She looks terrific and if everything goes well, we will let her take her chance. As long as there is no jar in the ground, she should be fine.”

John Gosden said: “After Henry helped us (Gertrude Bell) win the Lancashire Oaks (referring to when Vita Nova’s saddle slipped) we planned to go for the Prix Vermeille but she had a poor blood count.

“She will retire after Saturday’s race and will visit Oasis Dream. She was the first horse bred by my wife (Rachel Hood) – I said she should give up now!”

For the full race details and entries, CLICK HERE.