'She needs the rain' - Falmouth favourite Via Sistina's camp in sweat over forecast

Via Sistina's bid for a second consecutive Group 1 success will hinge on the prospect of upcoming rain after she was declared for the Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes (3.35) on Friday. 

The rapidly progressive filly, who was bought for just 5,000gns in November 2019 yet has amassed over £300,000 in prize-money, will head a field of nine for the feature race on day two of Newmarket's July festival, but trainer George Boughey stressed softer ground was vital in order for the leading mare to compete. 

"We'll work as if she's running but she needs the rain," Boughey said. "The Falmouth has always been the plan for her as she does look very good on a straight track, but softer ground is key.

"There are lots of times she could run where she will get soft ground and we're not going to do anything that is not in the best interests of the horse.  If it did rain, she will be very competitive. We'll walk the track and if it's the same as Ireland last time I imagine she will take her chance, but if it is any faster she won't." 

Via Sistina swept to success on her first start at Group 1 level in the Pretty Polly at the Curragh 11 days ago under Jamie Spencer, building on a dazzling six-length victory in the Dahlia Stakes on her previous start in May. 

The Newmarket triumph over the reopposing Astral Beau and Prosperous Voyage marked a second course success from three starts, with her sole defeat at the track coming by the narrowest of margins to Creative Flair in October. 

"I didn't think she would win the Dahlia by six lengths on the bridle, but I was bullish enough on the day to think she would win," Boughey said. "That for me was a Group 1 performance in a Group 2 and it has kind of stamped her authority on the division really.

"She showed a proper turn of foot in the Dahlia and I think over a mile she would be equally as effective. 

"Group 1s are the hardest races to win but that is what we get up to do and try and find horses to win those races. To have a filly who looks to be at the top of her division with the form to back it up in the book is hugely exciting and very rewarding for everyone here."

Via Sistina heads a competitive field for the Falmouth Stakes that comes with plenty of intrigue due to the absence of leading riders Oisin Murphy and Frankie Dettori, who both incurred suspensions at Royal Ascot which ruled them out of this three-day meeting. 

Their absence has left a host of top rides up for grabs and paved the way for Tom Marquand to forge a rare partnership with John and Thady Gosden on Sandringham Stakes winner Coppice. 

The Juddmonte filly seeks a hat-trick following victories at Newcastle and Ascot, and will be partnered for the first time by Marquand on just his fourth ride for the Gosden team. 

William Buick has picked up the ride on reigning champion Prosperous Voyage following the filly's shock defeat of Inspiral in last year's contest. 

Also due to line up is Nashwa, who makes her first start at Newmarket's July course under Hollie Doyle, while Aidan O'Brien will be represented by Pretty Polly seventh Never Ending Story.

Star Of Mystery heads strong Godolphin team

Also featuring on day two of the July festival is the Group 2 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes (2.25), which has attracted a field of five. 

Godolphin will seek their second success on the bounce with Star Of Mystery following the triumph of subsequent Classic winner Mawj last year. 

Star of Mystery: will bid to emulate Mawj with victory on FridayCredit: Mark Cranham

Buick will retain the ride on the Charlie Appleby-trained runner following her eyecatching Listed win at the course last time out, while Dominic Ffrench Davis will be doubly represented in his bid for a first success in the race with Amo runners Persian Dreamer and Thanksbutnothanks. 

Soprano and Woodhay Wonder complete the field for the 6f contest, which has produced five subsequent Group 1 winners in the last decade. 

Godolphin will also be well represented in the two £100,000 handicaps on Friday, with leading fancies Tagabawa and Local Dynasty taking on 11 rivals in the opening 1m2f handicap (1.50) for the Appleby yard and the Saeed Bin Suroor-trained Live Your Dream heading ten runners for the 1m6f handicap (3.00).

Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes runners and riders

Ameynah David Egan
Astral Bleu Shane Kelly
Nashwa Hollie Doyle
Prosperous Voyage William Buick
Random Harvest Saffie Osborne 
Via Sistina Jamie Spencer
Coppice Tom Marquand
Never Ending Story Ryan Moore
Remarquee Rob Hornby

Sky Bet: 2-1 Via Sistina, 7-2 Nashwa, 9-2 Remarquee, 8 Coppice, Prosperous Voyage, 10 Random Harvest, 14 Never Ending Story, 20 bar

Read more:

Who will win the 2023 Pertemps Network July Cup based on previous trends?  

William Buick steps in for more Frankie Dettori rides on two big Group 1 fancies - including Kinross in July Cup  

'You dream of things like this' - Quinault out to complete sensational six-timer for Stuart Williams at July festival 

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