Virgin Snow looking to rediscover winning formula in a hot Aphrodite Stakes

3.25 Newbury
bet365 Aphrodite Fillies' Stakes (Listed) | 3yo+ | 1m4f | ITV4/RTV

Virgin Snow failed to justify short odds in a Newcastle Group 3 last time and now attempts to bounce back to winning ways in this competitive Listed contest.

After breaking her maiden on her first start in handicaps last month, the daughter of Gleneagles was backed into 5-4 favouritism at Newcastle but found a progressive William Haggis-trained filly too good.

Trainer Ed Dunlop said: "It was a bit of a farcical speed race at Newcastle but we are looking forward to seeing her back on turf. The unknown is the trip as she is by Gleneagles, although her dam did stay a mile and a half.

"It's open but competitive, she's a three-year-old so carries less than her older rivals. We hope she'll go very well."

Virgin Snow is sure to be towards the head of the market for her fifth career but will surely face stiff competition, not least from Cabaletta, who has been highly-tried already this season by trainer Roger Varian.

Second to the promising Franconia at Newbury in June, the Cheveley Park-owned three-year-old found it tough going when tossed into Group 2 against Manuela De Vega in the Lancashire Oaks.

Also sure to be circled on many a card is the Henry Candy-trained La Lune, who remains firmly unexposed after just three starts, the headline act of which was a promising second to Antonia De Vega in Listed company at Pontefract.

What they say

Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer of Hyanna and Bella Vita
Hyanna deserves to take her chance stepping up to Listed class. I did think the handicapper was quite harsh for winning a three-horse race last time but she's a lovely, big filly and a little bit of black type would definitely help her. Bella Vita ran in handicaps with not too much weight before because she's not a very robust filly. I think running her in this with less weight on her back should suit her better and I think she should go well.

David O'Meara, trainer of Makawee
She's done very well recently having been Listed-placed and second in a Group 2. She goes on any ground and seems to have got better from four to five so we are hopeful of another good run.

Roger Varian, trainer of Cabaletta
Hopefully she can bounce back from her run at Haydock where the testing ground was all against her.

Moll Davis (left): searching for some more black type at NewburyCredit: Grossick Photography

George Scott, trainer of Moll Davis
She's a filly that's looked progressive from the outset and we're back to a mile and a half here which I think should help. She got some black type last year and we really think she is capable of doing the same in this country. It looks like an open race and I'm very pleased with the way she's been training. Hopefully she'll get a little bit more luck in running because she's had a few excuses in the past.

William Haggas, trainer of Lady G
She’s an 80-rated filly in a stakes race, but she wants the trip and will be fine on the ground. She won’t be last.

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