US filly Kaufymaker bids to become first female Coventry winner for 105 years

3.05 Royal Ascot
Coventry Stakes (Group 2) | 6f | 2yo | ITV/Sky

The last filly to win the Coventry was champion sprinter Diadem in 1916 and as a result trainers have virtually given up trying to end the drought.

Since 2010 the total number of fillies to have run in the Coventry stands at just one. That was the Wesley Ward-trained Silvertoni, who finished ninth of 19 behind Caravaggio in 2016. Ward briefly stuck his head above the parapet and wasn't rewarded, but that failure didn't dishearten the enterprising Washingtonian.

Five years on and Ward is back for another crack at ending that 105-year-old blank, this time with Kaufymaker, an unbeaten daughter of Grade 1 Malibu Stakes winner Jimmy Creed.

An imposing filly who will dwarf her rivals in stature, Kaufymaker showed customary early zip on her debut over 4½f at Keeneland in mid-April. Although briefly outgunned rounding the bend, just moments later she was back on the bridle and sauntering to victory. A smooth lead change and a powerful stretch run was the icing on the cake.

However, the highly touted Kaufymaker has to prove her capabilities on turf (all dirt form in pedigree) and at this distance, which rates a big concern. What we do know is that she will be in the vanguard from an early stage from stall three and, presuming she doesn't move across, should get the perfect lead into the race.

Being able to track a rival through could prove crucial, especially for National Stakes winner Ebro River, who covered most of Sandown's 5f track on his way to victory. The son of top-class two-year-old Galileo Gold is bred to be precocious but remains mentally immature, as shown by his errant finishing effort last time.

There is no denying he has talent, though, and the fact that Hugo Palmer has got three runs into him is another positive, while gate one may act as a blessing rather than a hindrance given his proximity to Kaufymaker.

Ebro River wins the Listed National Stakes at Sandown despite drifting to the middle part of the trackCredit: Edward Whitaker

Newbury winner Gisburn hung right towards the rail when last seen, but is a strong traveller who appears to boast the class to win this, while Masseto, who will run in different silks than when last seen, will be praying for a better passage than when stuck in traffic at the Curragh.

If they split into multiple groups Ardad colt Vintage Clarets may lead those drawn high from stall 16. However, a big step forward is needed to feature at the business end.

John and Thady Gosden are represented by smart first-time-out winners Dhabab and Tolstoy, both of whom have received market support in the last few days.

Berkshire Shadow's finishing effort to win on his debut at Newbury was perhaps the most eyecatching display in the field, but his wing draw is a negative for those keen to get stuck in.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

'If you lined all mine up going six furlongs, she'd be the one in front'

The Wesley Ward-trained Kaufymaker has never won on grass or at six furlongs, and it has been 105 years since the last filly won the Coventry.

Given that information, punters must weigh up whether to take odds of around 5-1 about something that has not happened since 1916.

The impressive-looking Kaufymaker is given a washdown

Ward said: "She looks well and is training great. If you lined all mine up going six furlongs, she'd be the one in front, but I don't know what that means against the field she's facing here.

"She won her maiden at Keeneland on dirt, but when we jumped across to the grass you could visibly see the difference. The time is now and we're here, so we're going for the Coventry. She's a sweetheart and takes everything in her stride."

O'Brien hoping for big run from Marble Hill runner-up Masseto

In keeping with family tradition, the transition to training has been pretty seamless for Donnacha O'Brien, who has already celebrated three Group 1 wins despite being in the job for only 18 months.

Now he is chasing a first Royal Ascot winner as a trainer and in Masseto has a colt of significant potential judging by his recent Marble Hill Stakes effort. He chased home the speedy Castle Star there, beaten only two lengths despite most things going wrong during the race.

O'Brien said: "He was unlucky in the Marble Hill. It's hard to tell whether he would have won or not, but he should have got a lot closer to Castle Star. His form is good and conditions will suit so we're hoping for a big run."

What they say

Clive Cox, trainer of Caturra
There was a lot to like about his win at Bath. I'm really looking forward to stepping him up to six furlongs and he will appreciate the drier ground. We like this fellow and I'm pleased we're taking him there.

John Gosden, joint-trainer of Dhabab and Tolstoy
The US filly Kaufymaker is meant to be very good. It adds a different dimension to the race and it remains to be seen if the boys can give her the weight. Both colts won their first starts, which entitles them to have a crack at this, but it depends which maiden is the better. No-one knows at the moment.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Ebro River
We've been very happy with him in the lead-up and he's growing up all the time. We've always liked him since he arrived and I fancied him at Sandown, so it was nice to see him win well. He's taken each step in his stride and we're looking forward to running him.

Gisburn: Coventry has been the plan since his debut victory at NewburyCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Richard Hannon, trainer of Gisburn and Secret Strength
I was very pleased with Gisburn at Newbury and this has been the plan since. His prep has gone well and the quicker ground will be no problem. This will tell us exactly where we are with him. I've always thought Secret Strength was a very good horse and still think he is. He was a bit disappointing on his first two starts and we thought six furlongs would be right up his street, but he only finished fourth at York. He got his act together last time, though, and I could see him running well at a big price.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Golden War
I really like him and think Ascot's stiff six furlongs is going to help. Jamie Spencer has a great record on the straight course at Ascot and I think we've got the right man for the job. I was very pleased with his debut at Goodwood. He was inexperienced but hit the line really hard.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of The Acropolis
We've always liked him. He was just green the first day at the Curragh and that caught him out. He did what we thought he would at Listowel on his second run.

Joe Tuite, trainer of The Organiser
He's the best horse of his type I've had and should perform with credit. He did what we hoped he would at York as his work at home had been great. He's been bought by Highclere as an Ascot horse so hopefully he can do something for them.
Reporting by David Jennings

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