Music Show: bids to confirm herself as the leading filly over a mile this year

  PICTURE: Mark Cranham  

Channon in bullish mood for Music Show bid

TRAINER Mick Channon is in bullish mood as he prepares to saddle Music Show in the Group 1 Coolmore Fusaichi Pegasus Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The Jaber Abdullah-owned three-year-old has contested most of the major filly and mare Group 1s over 1m this season and Channon rates her among the best he has trained.

After finishing sixth in the Stanjames.com 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, Music Show claimed third behind Matron rival Bethrah in the Etihad Airways Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh.

She then finished fourth to another Matron contender Lillie Langtry in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, before turning the tables on her in the Etihad-sponsored Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket in July.

Music Show, a daughter of Noverre, found only the mighty Goldikova too good last time and will be partnered by Fran Berry on Saturday, a booking Channon is far from concerned with.

"Seven runners and a high-class field - there's no hiding places, but they'll be as wary of us as we are of them," Channon said.

"Fran Berry is a top jockey, but I don't think it matters toomuch who's on top of her because she's so easy to get on with. She's hopefully the best I've trained and we'll find out in time."

Channon, who will bid to continue the fine recent record of British trainers in the Matron (eight wins in the last ten years), added on his website: "As far as I'm concerned, as long as they go a decent pace I expect to be there or thereabouts at the finish."

Music Show is a general 2-1 favourite for the Matron, with Lillie Langtry second best at 3-1.

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