Group One Winner Via Sistina Being Aimed At Falmouth Stakes

Group one winning mare Via Sistina is being eyed at more black type as she is now targeted at the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket this month after a superb performance in the Group One Pretty Polly Stakes.

Moved to George Boughey's yard in October 2022 the mare finished a good second on yard debut at newmarket in a good Group Three over 1m2f, but then sent to Toulouse on her final start last term she got off the mark in the Group Three Prix Fille de l'Air.

She has remained unbeaten this season picking up from where she left off last term on seasonal debut this term when taking the Group Two Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket in very impressive fashion bolting up by six lengths from Al Husn who has also franked the form on two different occasions.

Last seen at the Curragh stepping up to Group One class in the Pretty Polly Stakes she again made a mockery of the field to fly home by two lengths.

Boughey is now targeting more Group One glory with the mare with the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket's July Course next on the agenda against her own sex.

(Credit ATR) “She was very good and confirmed what we hoped,” said Boughey.

“When the rain didn’t come it was in the balance whether she was going to start and huge credit to the owner Steve Hillen for making the call and wanting to run, because she will be better on slower ground.

“She’s come out of the race in great shape and I couldn’t be happier with her really. She showed a real turn of foot on ground that was possibly too fast for her.

“I’m delighted for Steve and Becky. Steve bought her and has nurtured her all the way along. Joe Tuite (former trainer) had a massive part to play and I’ve just been the lucky recipient that’s got her when she’s coming to her peak.

“To go over there and beat them in one of their top fillies-only Group One races was a huge thrill.”

He added: “I haven’t trained a horse who is quite so trip-versatile of any quality really. I wouldn’t mind bringing her back to a mile, but Jamie said she stays well and you could almost go up in trip.“

The options are very open for her, but we are going to work towards the Falmouth – that’s the plan at the moment – because it can come up soft the week of the July meeting.

“It’s drying ground in Newmarket at the moment, but we’re going to work with that in mind. If we were to get rain and she was in good form, we’d love to turn up for Newmarket.

“We’ll just continue to do what’s right for her really. If there’s any firm in the description she certainly won’t be running, but at least we know she’s a Group One winner on good ground now.”