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Juddmonte International: Nashwa unlikely to take on unbeaten Baaeed at York; Prix de l'Opera potential next target

The three-year-old filly is a two-time Group One winner, adding the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood last month to her French Oaks; a potential clash between unbeaten Baaeed looks off the cards, though, with the Prix de l'Opera the next target as things stand on Arc day

Hollie Doyle punches the air as Nashwa wins the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood
Image: Hollie Doyle punches the air as Nashwa wins the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood

Nashwa is unlikely to tackle Baaeed in next week's Juddmonte International at York, with the Prix de l'Opera looking her next obvious target.

Already a Group One winner in France courtesy of the Prix de Diane, the John and Thady Gosden-trained filly added the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood to her growing record.

Nashwa, the regular mount of Hollie Doyle, is owned by Imad Al Sagar and while his racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe was once chairman of York, Knavesmire fans may have to wait until next year for her to take on the boys.

Hollie Doyle picked up her fifth Group One success with Nashwa in the Nassau at Goodwood
Image: Doyle picked up her fifth Group One success with Nashwa in the Nassau at Goodwood

As a daughter of Frankel, on the 10th anniversary of his brilliant Juddmonte win there would have been some nice symmetry.

"While it would be a lovely thought [to run in the Juddmonte] it is not something Imad is considering at the moment," said Grimthorpe.

"She came out of the Nassau really well so we're just looking at the various options. She's in very good form.

Nashwa (left) holds off the late run of La Parisienne to win the Prix de Diane at Chantilly under Hollie Doyle
Image: Nashwa (left) holds off the late run of La Parisienne to win the Prix de Diane at Chantilly under Doyle

"She certainly has the scope to make a nice four-year-old, but that would be entirely up to Imad in terms of how she is.

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"The main thing is there is a bit of running to do this year and then take a look at the options, but she'd look a very interesting four-year-old prospect.

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"I think the Prix de l'Opera has been in John's mind since the Diane, really, so that is on the cards. But we'll keep our eyes open."

He added: "She's not dissimilar to Frankel when you look at her head, and she certainly has a good turn of foot - her sectionals were most impressive at Goodwood."

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