Veracious takes over from Laurens at head of Sun Chariot market

With connections of last year’s winner Laurens yet to firmly commit to a repeat bid in Saturday week’s Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes, Veracious has displaced her as favourite with several bookmakers.

Reports of a pleasing workout on Wednesday by Sir Michael Stoute’s filly may have contributed to Paddy Power making her clear 7-2 favourite for the Group 1 in which she finished only sixth in 2018.

Veracious has improved since then, culminating in a first Group 1 success in the Falmouth Stakes in July, and Chris Richardson, managing director of owners Cheveley Park Stud, reports her to be firmly on course for Newmarket.

“She’s in good form and worked nicely yesterday,” he said. “She’s done well physically for the break since her Falmouth Stakes win. The intention was always to freshen her up for the Sun Chariot and we’re delighted with her. All being well, she remains in training next year.”

The daughter of Frankel failed to do herself justice in the Sun Chariot last year, but Richardson believes she is a much more mature individual now.

“Physically and mentally she has grown up,” he said. “She needed to learn how to settle and race.

“She didn’t have the easiest of years in 2018. The plan had been to run in the 1,000 Guineas, but she had a setback and didn’t reappear until Royal Ascot. Things have gone much more smoothly this year.”

Laurens: could run next in either the Sun Chariot Stakes or Prix de la ForetCredit: Edward Whitaker

Laurens, who beat Happily by a head in the 2018 Sun Chariot, has enjoyed another fine campaign highlighted by a Group 1 success in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville in July, but performed below expectations when only fourth to Iridessa in Leopardstown’s Matron Stakes last time out.

Her trainer Karl Burke said: “She’ll either go for the Sun Chariot or the Prix de la Foret the following day. John [Dance, owner] is on holiday at the moment, so we’ll wait a bit and see what we want to do. We’ll look at the ground at both places and make a decision nearer the time.”

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