MARTIN DWYER is in bullish mood over the chances of Lady Of The Desert when she steps up to Group One company for the first time in this afternoon’s Electrolux Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket.
The Liverpool-born jockey has been aboard Brian Meehan’s Queen’s Logic filly in all her four starts, including when an impressive winner in the Group Two Lowther Stakes at York last time.
Lady Of The Desert is currently a best-priced 10-1 market leader with several firms for next year’s 1.000 Guineas. But in opposition today is Criquette Head-Maarek’s French raider Special Duty, who shares favouritism for the fillies Classsic with some firms and is available at 12-1 with Coral, Skybet, Victor Chandler and Boylesports.
While Dwyer respects the opposition, the 34-year-old believes he is on the horse to beat in today’s Group One contest. He said: “She’s definitely improved with every race, she won so easily at York – she couldn’t have done it any easier.
“She’s ready for the step up now to a Group One.
“I worked her last week and it was pretty good, she must have a great chance. A lot of her form is working out. People probably thought it wasn’t a great Lowther, but she won it so easily and she can only beat what is put in front of her and she’s improved. She’s really exciting.”
Meanwhile Mick Kinane is hoping to grab a third victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with John Oxx’s superb colt Sea The Stars.
A victory would cement five-time Group One winner Sea The Stars’ reputation as one of the best horses of modern times.
And Kinane, now 50, is hoping the hot favourite can land the odds and give him a third win after triumphs on Carroll House in 1989 and Montjeu in 1999. He hopes the omen are also with him.
He said: “I’ve won the race in 1989 and ’99, so hopefully nine is my lucky number.
“He’s been putting weight on after his races really well and he’s physically been getting very strong during the autumn. I don’t think anyone should have any doubts about him stepping back up to a mile and a half and we haven’t done anything different with him at home – it’s just been a case of keeping him right.
“The Arc is such a great race and a great occasion and it would be very nice if the horse can add it to his CV.”
TODAY’S NAP: Lady Of The Desert (2.30pm Newmarket).
