Marco Botti is looking forward to giving Italian Listed winner Kyllachy Queen her first run in England in the 32Red Fillies' Conditions Stakes at Wolverhampton on Friday.
Marco Botti is looking forward to giving Italian Listed winner Kyllachy Queen her first run in England in the 32Red Fillies' Conditions Stakes at Wolverhampton on Friday.
The three-year-old joined the Newmarket-based handler two months ago after being formerly trained by his brother Stefano and takes her chance in this fast-track qualifier for All-Weather Championships Finals Day at Lingfield on Good Friday.
"She's been a nice filly in Italy, she's got black type and has been working well. We've been pleased since we got her," said Botti.
"Unfortunately at this time of the year there aren't many options. We're running her over seven furlongs, which I don't think is her ideal trip. She probably wants a little bit further, but we hope she runs a good race and then we'll plan where we go next.
"There is a Listed race in France at the end of the year and that could be a possibility."
Botti also saddles Alfajer, who has not been beaten far in two Listed races since being stepped up to Listed company from handicaps.
"She's in good form and was a bit unlucky in a Listed race at Lingfield. She didn't have a clear run after being slowly away and got a bit too far back," he said.
"She should have a chance. She's progressing. She has been upped in class in her last two races and has not disgraced herself. I think she should have a good chance."
Lamar, who won that Lingfield contest, bids to improve on her fine record on the all-weather.
"She won her Listed race well last time on her first run back from a break and I think she's improved since then," said trainer James Tate.
"A mile is probably her best trip, but she is effective over this seven so I'd like to think she'd take a bit of beating.
"She's been a lot of fun, she's very good on these all-weather tracks. Luke (Morris) knows her very well. She's flying at home so we'll give it our best shot and see if they all can beat us."
Skinny Love just missed out on some black type last time when photographed out of a place when fourth to Goken in a Listed race at Lingfield.
However, her trainer Karl Burke is hoping to put that right before the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor retires to the paddocks.
"She ran a personal best last time. The handicapper didn't put her up too much. She goes to stud in the New Year, so we're not too worried about ruining her handicap mark," said the North Yorkshire handler.
"She'll do her best, she'll arrive there in great form and if she runs like he did last time she should run a big race.
"She was very unlucky last time. She was third bar for the last two strides and just missed out on the black type which we were looking for.
"She'll have this run and she may well, depending on how she runs and how she is, run in the six-furlong Listed race at Lingfield in February. That would be her last run before she goes to the paddocks."