Classic winner Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), off the track since sustaining a setback that ruled her out of Royal Ascot, will aim for a start in the G1 Matron Stakes during Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown, according to trainer Karl Burke.
Successful in the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas in the silks of Clipper Logistics when last seen, the filly has been pleasing Burke during her recovery. The G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes heroine was only eighth in the G1 1000 Guineas as the favourite in early May, before her Irish heroics.
“Fallen Angel is in great shape and, touch wood, she seems over all her little problems she had,” said the Spigot Lodge handler. “She's moving really well and is on target for the Matron. That will be her next start and I wouldn't be surprised if she stepped up to 10 furlongs after that, possibly the [G1] Prix de l'Opera on Arc weekend.
“She was very good in the Irish Guineas and I don't think she will mind a bit of juice [in the ground]–I don't think we will run her on very fast ground again. Maybe Ascot wouldn't have been her cup of tea this year and sometimes these things happen for a reason. Hopefully she will stay in training next year.”
Fallen Angel could face Thursday's G3 Prix de Lieurey scorer Soprano (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) in the Matron. Trainer George Boughey said of the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing runner, “It [Leopardstown] is a possibility, but we will see how she comes out of the race. She has always taken her racing incredibly well–even as a 2-year-old–but it is all up in the air a bit at the moment.”
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