Can William Haggas win the Valiant again with Miss O Connor?
3.05 Ascot
Betfred Valiant Fillies' Stakes (Group 3) | 1m | Round | 3yo+ | ITV4/Sky
William Haggas has won this race three times and he saddles Miss O Connor.
Miss O Connor twice recorded RPRs of 108 when winning her final two starts last season and, unbeaten in four, she looks capable of improving on that figure now she tackles better company.
The main worry is the ground as the Roderic O’Connor mare is unraced on conditions without soft in the official description and would be ideally suited by more rain.
Agincourt is the one to beat judged purely on Ascot form. She recorded an RPR of 113 when beaten a head by Nazeef in the Duke of Cambridge at the royal meeting last month, but that was on the straight course and she is unproven on the round track.
Whether she can reproduce that level around a bend at this course just adds another dimension to a fascinating contest.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway
What they say
David O'Meara, trainer of Agincourt
She’s in great form and had a lovely run at Ascot the time before last. We know that she handles the track well and we're going there very hopeful of another good run from her.
Roger Varian, trainer of Farzeen and Stylistique
Both fillies will have to post a career best to win, but hopefully they could pick up some black type along the way.
William Haggas, trainer of Miss O Connor
She’s in good form and she really needs to run. Any rain they get there would help her a lot, but I think she'll run anyway.
Jane Chapple-Hyam, trainer of Viva Gloria
She ran a nice race first time at Kempton and then we didn't feel she handled the straight run at Newbury so we're coming back to a turning track. She’ll be a big price, but she's in good shape and we're going to give it a go.
John Gosden, trainer of Love And Thunder and Shimmering
Love And Thunder and Shimmering have chances in a competitive race, but the idea is to get some important black type for them.
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