Super-filly Minding infinitely more than a sentimental favourite

It has been something of a delayed reaction. The thrills and spills of the July meeting initially softened the blow, but in this barren week, when the Saturday highlight is the Hackwood Stakes at Newbury, Minding’s retirement leaves a gaping hole where there was once a magnificent filly.

No disrespect to the Hackwood – it has been upgraded to Group 3 status, let’s not forget – but there simply isn’t enough to anticipate this week. In such lulls it is impossible not to dwell on the charming bay filly with a white blaze every bit as extravagant as her natural talent.

In point of fact, Minding’s blaze tilts slightly further over towards right nostril than it does her left. It’s a trivial detail, yet it’s the sort of thing you notice about a personal favourite as you wonder what she conceals inside of her that makes her so much better than the rest.