Misty For Me A Likely Nassau Contender

The signs are more and more positive that Aidan O’Brien’s high class Misty For Me, an absentee from the Darley Irish Oaks on Sunday, may instead take her chance in what is building up to be a fine renewal of the Group 1 Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on July 30, writes Elliot Slater.

Connections appear to feel that the 10-furlong trip of the Goodwood race is more suitable than the mile-and-a-half of the Oaks, and a glance at the daughter of Galileo’s overall profile would seem to back up that assessment. Although she was far from disgraced when finishing fifth to Dancing Rain in the Investec Oaks at Epsom in June, the impression is that the Ballydoyle-based filly’s stamina is at its absolute limits at a mile-and-three- furlongs. Those looking at the Betfair Glorious Goodwood betting should bear this in mind.

If, as now expected, Misty For Me does indeed line up for the big race at the end of the month, she could be faced by other leading lights of her sex including dual former winner Midday, the four-time Group 1 winner Snow Fairy, brilliant Newmarket winner Crystal Capella, this weekend’s Irish Oaks and 1000 Guineas heroine Blue Bunting, and Banimpire, a close second at the Curragh his weekend and winner previously of the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Misty For Me, twice a winner in group 1 company last season as a juvenile, has enjoyed another tremendously fruitful campaign after disappointing in the 1000 Guineas behind Blue Bunting at HQ at the start of May. She soon recovered her form to beat stable companion Together in the Irish 1000 Guineas then followed her effort in the Oaks (where she appeared not to stay), by famously slamming Midday by six-length in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh over 10 furlongs last time out.

Reportedly in tip-top form, Misty For Me is a tremendous addition to one of the best Nassau Stakes fields for many a long year.

Meanwhile, fans of Betfair Paul Nicholls will be biding their time, waiting until the National Hunt season gets underway again.