Bluestocking and Task Force head Juddmonte early season hopes

Juddmonte are hopeful that Bluestocking can achieve a breakthrough Group victory after hitting the frame at the top level last year.

BLUESTOCKING winning the Byerley Stud British EBF Novice Stakes Picture: AAP Image

The Ralph Beckett-trained filly produced a career best performance when second behind Savethelastdance in the Group 1 Irish Oaks and was only beaten a neck in the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot.

"Bluestocking is back and looks great. I've just seen her and we feel like we have a bit of unfinished business with her," said Barry Mahon, Juddmonte's racing manager. 

"She's gone close on a few occasions; her Irish Oaks run was obviously a big run and her Champions Day run was also huge.

"She looks great and she could start in the Middleton Stakes perhaps and there's also the Tattersalls Gold Cup in Ireland – she likes the Curragh, so that's a possibility – and we will aim her at all those high-class middle-distance fillies' races throughout the year.

"I think she has got a little stronger from three to four and she's grown, so I think there is definitely some more to come from her."

Fellow Beckett-trained Task Force appears to be the best of Juddmonte's Classic chances and will go straight to the 2000 Guineas without a prep race.

The son of Frankel took the Listed Ripon Champion Two Yrs Old Trophy before finishing second behind Vandeek in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes.

"Ralph says we have some lovely horses and I'm not sure we will have much for the trials – Ralph is indicating Task Force is going to go straight to the 2000 Guineas without going to a trial.

"Task Force is in great shape and I've just seen him and he looks to have wintered well. We're very happy with him and if his work is good then he will go straight to Newmarket."


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