Sobetsu & Strathspey primed for Prix de la Nonette

Three-year-old fillies Sobetsu and Strathspey provide Godolphin with a strong challenge for the G2 Prix de la Nonette over a mile and a quarter at Deauville, France, on Saturday, August 19. 

Sobetsu (Charlie Appleby/James Doyle) has already claimed a G1 victory over the same course and distance, having powered to an impressive three-length success in the Prix Saint-Alary in May. 

The daughter of Dubawi faded to eighth when trying a mile and a half in the G1 Oaks at Epsom Downs on June 2 but bounced back to form with a close third on her latest outing in the G1 Nassau Stakes over 10 furlongs at Goodwood on August 3. 

New Approach filly Strathspey (Andre Fabre/Mickael Barzalona), a maiden winner at Lyon Parilly on May 25, drops down in trip after running on strongly to get up on the line in the 12-furlong G2 Prix de Malleret at Saint-Cloud on July 2. 

A field of 10 for the Prix de la Nonette includes Senga and Shutter Speed, who were first and fourth in the G1 Prix de Diane, plus Prix Saint-Alary runner-up Vue Fantastique. 

Charlie Appleby said: “We were delighted with Sobestu in the Nassau Stakes and she came out of that race well. 

“Ground conditions look to be in her favour and she has already won over the course and distance in the Prix Saint-Alary. 

“If she can reproduce her Goodwood run, she should be very competitive.”

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin commented: “Strathspey won a G2 last time out but this looks a tougher race for the grade. 

“She is a very straightforward filly with a great temperament. She has been improving all year and the step down to a mile and a quarter should be no problem.”

Also at Deauville on Saturday, Spring Cosmos (Charlie Appleby/James Doyle) aims for a first G3 success in the Prix du Calvados over seven furlongs. 

The two-year-old filly steps up in distance following two appearances over six furlongs in the UK, having followed up a debut success in a Newmarket maiden on July 13 with a staying-on fourth in the G3 Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot on July 29. 

Charlie Appleby and James Doyle team up with another juvenile in the mile Listed Criterium du Fonds Europeen de l'Elevage as Dark Angel colt Stage Magic aims to follow up a comprehensive victory in a seven-furlong novice race at Newbury on July 21. 

The trainer added: “Spring Cosmos should be suited by seven furlongs and, if there is any improvement to come from the step up in trip, then she should be a live contender. 

“Stage Magic will also be suited by the step up in distance and forecast ground conditions. He is not a renowned workhorse at home but was visually impressive at Newbury.”