The Group 2 Lowther Stakes (1200m) brings together some of the leading sprinting juvenile fillies ahead of Group 1 targets later in the season, including Royal Ascot heroine Libertango.

The George Boughey-trained daughter of No Nay Never defeated subsequent Group 1 Phoenix Stakes (1200m) victor in the Group 3 Albany Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot before finishing second to the re-opposing Senorita Bonita in the Group 2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (1200m) at Newmarket’s July Course.

Boughey said: “I think things didn't quite go her way at Newmarket. Possibly the track had something to play with that. She's a very fast filly who we're still learning about, to be honest.

“It was a stiff six at Ascot, and Billy (Loughnane) played her very late, and that seemed to work. I just think on a level track again we could see her to best effect.”

Andrew Balding could be on course for an exciting Ebor Festival with leading players such as Kalpana and Item, and fields the improving Moonrise. Second at Royal Ascot behind King Of Cloughan in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes (1200m), the filly returned to the same course and distance for a win in the Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes (1200m).

“We felt York would suit her really well because she’s a strong traveller and that’s a good speed, the York six (furlongs),” commented Balding. “I’m looking forward to seeing her up in grade.”

Goodwood winner Wild Blossom will take a step up in class after a victory in conditions company, trying 1200m for the first time.

“She’s a very good filly,” said trainer Karl Burke. “My initial reaction after Goodwood was to stay at five furlongs, but there’s no reason on pedigree or that performance why she wouldn’t be able to step up to six furlongs. She got into a really nice rhythm and didn’t look like she was stopping either. An easy six furlong like the Lowther should really suit her.”

Photo: Healy Racing