A Proper Test for the Three-Year-Old Fillies
Right then, settle in with your pint because we've got ourselves a proper Listed race to dissect at Folkestone this Saturday. The Fitzdares Height of Fashion Stakes might not have the glamour of Royal Ascot, but don't let that fool you – this £70,000 prize has attracted a field that would grace any major meeting. Eight three-year-old fillies line up for what promises to be a tactical affair over the extended mile and a furlong, and there's more twists in this tale than a Cork country road.
The going is riding Good with a soil moisture reading of 47, which should suit the majority of this field. Folkestone's undulating track will ask serious questions about stamina reserves in the final two furlongs, and that's where we'll separate the wheat from the chaff.
The Market Leaders Under the Microscope
Inis Mor arrives as the highest-rated filly in the field at 101, and with good reason. David Menuisier's charge has been knocking on the door at Group level, and Saffie Osborne takes the reins for what looks like a golden opportunity to grab some black type. The daughter of Sea The Stars has the breeding to excel at this trip, and her recent work reports suggest she's cherry ripe. Draw 4 gives her options, but that rating means she's giving lumps of weight away to some talented rivals.
Just Call Me Angel carries top weight at 9-7 for Ed Dunlop, and David Probert knows this filly inside out. Her rating of 98 tells you she's no mug, but I'm wondering if the handicapper has caught up with her after a profitable spring campaign. The booking of Probert is significant – he wouldn't be crossing the country for a no-hoper.
Brilliant Star represents the Gosden father-and-son team, and you ignore their runners at your peril. Benoit de la Sayette gets the leg up on this daughter of Dubawi, who's been campaigned with a race like this in mind. The inside draw could be crucial if they can dictate from the front.
The Dangers Lurking in the Pack
Don't sleep on Earth Shot from the William Haggas yard. She might not have an official rating yet, but that 'distance winner' flag beside her name has me intrigued. Tom Marquand wouldn't be wasting his time if this filly wasn't showing serious ability at home. The wide draw in stall 8 isn't ideal, but Marquand has the tactical nous to overcome it.
Winged One for Andrew Balding caught my eye when winning nicely last time out. Her rating of 90 might underestimate her current ability, and Rob Hornby has been riding with serious confidence lately. The Kingsclere team have their string in flying form, and this filly could be primed for a big effort.
Classic Cuvee represents Roger Varian, and while her rating of 87 suggests she's up against it, Ray Dawson knows how to get a tune out of a filly when the chips are down. The wide draw isn't helping her cause, but she's bred to stay this trip strongly.
Going and Draw Analysis
The Good going will play into the hands of the more proven performers – it's fast enough for the speedier types but won't inconvenience those who prefer a bit of cut. With a soil moisture reading of 47, we're looking at textbook conditions that shouldn't bias the result either way.
The draw could be crucial here. Folkestone's straight mile-and-a-bit track means those drawn low have the inside rail to aim for, while the higher numbers will need to use petrol early to get across. Brilliant Star in stall 1 has a significant advantage if Benoit de la Sayette can utilize the rail, while Earth Shot in 8 faces the stiffest task from a tactical standpoint.
The Verdict and Value Plays
This is one of those races where the market favorite might just be vulnerable. While Inis Mor has the highest rating, she's conceding weight all round and faces fillies who are improving rapidly. My eye keeps coming back to Earth Shot as the value play. Haggas doesn't run maidens in Listed company unless they're something special, and that 'distance winner' tag suggests she's already proven at this trip.
For the win, I'm backing Just Call Me Angel to justify favoritism. The combination of Dunlop and David Probert is potent, and while she carries top weight, her class should tell in the closing stages. The each-way money goes on Earth Shot at what should be generous odds.
Avoid Della Pace – Pat Cosgrave is a class act, but this filly looks outgunned on ratings and recent form. On Message for Ralph Beckett might outrun her odds if the pace collapses, but she's more of a place hope than a winning chance.
Who is the favourite for the Height of Fashion Stakes?
Inis Mor, with her rating of 101, is likely to start favorite despite carrying just 9-2 due to the weight-for-age conditions. However, Just Call Me Angel's proven form and top jockey booking make her a serious market rival.
What makes this race significant for three-year-old fillies?
Listed races like the Height of Fashion Stakes provide crucial black type opportunities for fillies targeting future breeding careers. Success here opens doors to Group company and significantly enhances a filly's long-term value beyond racing.
How important is the draw at Folkestone over this distance?
The draw is crucial at Folkestone's straight track. Low numbers can hug the rail and save ground, while high draws must work harder early. With the pace likely to be honest, those drawn low have a tactical advantage that could prove decisive in a tight finish.
