Newmarket’s Future Champions meeting has been a happy hunting ground over the years for the all-powerful Aidan O’Brien stable and he unleashed another two year old Group 1 winner in the shape of Ylang Ylang.
The Frankel filly, out of a Shamardal mare, had arrived on the back of two relatively disappointing runs in the Moyglare Stud Stakes and in the Rockfel Stakes just two weeks previously. She was a different filly on this occasion however and with slightly differenttactics employed she got home by half a length from the favourite Shuwari, who had beaten Ylang Ylang last time when second behind Carla’s Way in the Rockfel.
It wasn’t plain sailing for jockey Ryan Moore though as he had to switch his filly after the two furlong pole when Shuwari came across and bumped her as she was starting her run. It looked for a few strides that Ylang Ylang’s race was run but she rallied well and got on top in the last 75 yards.
Trainer O’Brien was quick to suggest that the filly had learned plenty from her last two runs and that the strong pace here, set by stablemate Brilliant, was also an important factor. He stated she was finished for this year and may be aimed straight at the 1,000 Guineas, for which she is priced at 10/1 with online bookmakers and is the same price for The Epsom Oaks.
Her stable companion Opera Singer remains favourite for both races after her impressive win in France on Arc weekend.
