Frankel filly Soul Stirring has Classic target in her sights

Having supplied her sire with his first top-level winner, Soul Stirring looks to hold leading claims of providing Frankel with his first Classic winner after she demolished her 11 rivals in the Grade 3 Tulip Sho over a mile at Hanshin on Saturday.

The Tulip Sho is a trial for the Grade 1 Oka Sho, or Japanese 1,000 Guineas, which takes place over the same course and distance as Saturday’s race in mid-April.

Under regular pilot Christophe Lemaire, Soul Stirring quickened to the front approaching the final furlong and with the minimum of fuss readily put two lengths between herself and the pursuers, who were headed by Miss Panthere.

The Shadai Farm homebred, whose record now stands at four wins from as many starts having also won the Grade 1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies back in December, is out of the six-time Group/Grade 1 winner Stacelita, one of 38 top-flight winners covered by Frankel from his first book of mares.

Closer to home Frankel could be represented by the likes of Cracksman, Seven Heavens and Swiss Storm in the opening domestic Classic of the season, the 2,000 Guineas. While Fair Eva, Queen Kindly, Icespire and Aljezeera could potentially feature in the 1,000 Guineas.