Hermosa’s girl power can get the job done for O’Brien

AIDAN O’BRIEN has made a happy habit of winning the bet365 Fillies’ Mile and with HERMOSA (Newmarket, 3.35) and Zagitova, the Ballydoyle trainer has another strong hand today. Last year O’Brien failed by a nose to land the prestigious Group One prize for a fourth successive year when the top-class Laurens proved just too strong for September — but both of this season’s contenders look huge players. Marginal preference is for Hermosa, who was kept away from the heat of battle in the Moyglare Stakes at the Curragh on her penultimate start before running on in eye-catching fashion to snatch third, a place in front of Zagitova who received a more proactive ride that day. Hermosa has subsequently impressed in a Naas Group Three, where she powered clear of her seven rivals to score with plenty in hand. She boasts stamina and speed, and the mile should present no issue. It will be fascinating to see if that is also the case for the classy Pretty Pollyanna, who steps up two furlongs after a one-paced effort in the Cheveley Park Stakes a fortnight ago. Connections have made a jockey change, seemingly apportioning blame to Silvestre De Sousa for that defeat, so it will be intriguing to see if her fortunes improve.