'She's so tough' - Fallen Angel bags third successive Group 1 to set up possible QEII clash with Field Of Gold

Fallen Angel blew her rivals away on a windswept Rowley Mile in the Sun Chariot Stakes to complete a third straight Group 1 win and set up a possible showdown with the colts in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot in a fortnight's time.

Karl Burke's star was cut to 4-1 (from 6) by Paddy Power for a potential clash with Field Of Gold and company after making all under James Doyle to account for the progressive Blue Bolt and two-time Group 1 winner Cinderella's Dream.

The daughter of Too Darn Hot was completing a double last achieved by Burke's previous best filly Laurens in 2018 after her success in the Group 1 Matron Stakes at Leopardstown last month.

Owned by Qatari powerhouse Wathnan Racing, Fallen Angel is expected to stay in training in 2026 regardless of whether she seeks a Group 1 four-timer at Ascot on October 18.

Fallen Angel comes clear in the Sun Chariot Stakes at NewmarketCredit: Steve Davies (www.racingmediapics.co.uk)

Burke, who won the Cambridgeshire at the track a week ago, said: "The fractions were very quick and it's tough conditions out there, but she's so tough. When they came to us it only helped and I don't think James went for his stick until inside the final furlong, and then she found more."

Ranking the performance, the North Yorkshire-based trainer added: "That is one of her best performances and if you take the second out they are a long, long way clear of the rest. She doesn't have to lead but she just wants to get on with it.

"She wasn't for passing and it was only when they came to her she picked up again. She's coming in with her ears pricked and if she comes out of this in good shape there is no reason why we won't take on the boys at Ascot in a fortnight's time in the QEII.

"She's now won four Group 1s and Laurens won six and as I've been told she stays in training perhaps she can try to match that. She has the option of going up to a mile and a quarter next year but we'll enjoy this and hopefully head to Ascot."

Doyle, who was winning the mile contest for the first time, said: "We are lucky to have her at Wathnan and she's tough as nails. She likes to go forward and with a strong tailwind out there it suited her and she wasn't for passing."

He added: "We've minded her as she must have some cut in the ground and running on quick ground at Royal Ascot didn't play to her strengths. Hopefully it will be the same at Ascot in a couple of weeks' time."

Fallen Angel with James Doyle and connections after the Sun Chariot Stakes at NewmarketCredit: Steve Davies (www.racingmediapics.co.uk)

Barry Mahon, racing manager to runner-up Blue Bolt's owners Juddmonte, said: "She's run a career best, no doubt about it, and Andrew Balding was very confident beforehand as she's been working well. She didn't enjoy the very soft ground at Sandown last time but this was better for her and she was in the right place sat on the heels of the winner. She hasn't many miles on the clock and could make up into a smart four-year-old next year."

Cinderella's Dream was sent off 11-8 favourite and trainer Charlie Appleby said: "I couldn’t see how they took Fallen Angel off as favourite as she is a multiple Group 1 winner and a Classic winner. Will [Buick] said she just struggled to find her feet when they started to quicken. We know all of her form is on fast ground.

“I’m far from saying put a line through it as she's run a solid race and we might head back towards the Filly & Mare Turf. She's been there before, so she knows the script, and with a bit better luck in running next time she might have half a chance.”

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (3.25 Ascot, October 18)
Paddy Power: 7-4 Field Of Gold, 3 Delacroix, 4 Fallen Angel, 7 Rosallion, 10 Never So Brave, 12 Diego Velazquez, Docklands, 14 Facteur Cheval, 20 bar.

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