SO TUNED IN FOR RETURN
SO MI DAR is geared up to make a winning return to action in the Matchbook Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown this evening.
Having romped to an easy win in the Musidora Stakes at York last year, John Gosden’s filly was favourite for last year’s Oaks before injury struck.
She returned in the Group One Prix de l’Opera in October but was narrowly beaten by Speedy Boarding.
The four-year-old was due to return in the Middleton Stakes at York last week but heavy rain forced Gosden to change tack and he has opted to take on the colts at the Esher track.
“It’s a pity we couldn’t run in the Middleton, which was the plan all winter,” said Gosden.
“She’s in great form, she needs to get on and ® race now. She’s rather telling us, ‘I want to get out and race’, so she had better.”
Michael Bell is in a similar situation with his top stayer Big Orange, who runs in the Matchboook VIP Henry II Stakes.
“He’s really in great form,” said Bell. “This wasn’t the plan, we had intended to run him in the Yorkshire Cup but the ground went against him.”
Twice winner of the Goodwood Cup, the stayer ran his usual game race when beaten two lengths by Vazirabad in Meydan on his first start this term.
Frankie Dettori, who rode him on that occasion, will be on board again this evening.
“The plan is to run here and then if the ground suits the Gold Cup and then Goodwood,” said Bell.