Talent heading for Champions Day competition

Talent winning the Investec Epsom Oaks impressively in June. Image copyright of Racingfotos.com

Ralph Beckett has confirmed that Series heroine Talent is set to head to Ascot for the QIPCO Fillies & Mares Stakes on the 19 October on British Champions Day after finishing second in the Ladbrokes St Leger.

The three-year-old filly, who won the Investec Epsom Oaks in June, bounced back to form at Doncaster behind Leading Light, after disappointing in Ireland on her previous run.

Talent’s trainer, Beckett, was delighted with her performance in the British Classic and is now preparing the daughter of New Approach for a tilt at the Fillies & Mares finale at Ascot.

He said: “We would have loved to get a clean run for sure, but the winner (Leading Light) has run well and she has run well.

"I’m thrilled to bits for her and I feel like I’ve won because it was so bad in Ireland and to bring her back and do that is terrific.

"I would think, all being well, and if the ground comes up similar (to Doncaster), we’ll run at Ascot in the champion fillies [QIPCO Fillies & Mares Stakes] race and that’ll suit her."

Talent could face a strong line-up that includes last year’s winner Sapphire, the Charlie Hills-trained Just The Judge and Lady Cecil’s duo Hot Snap and Wild Coco.

Tickets are selling fast for QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday 19 October, so do not miss out!

Visit the Ascot Racecourse website for more details.