Key Contenders for Nassau Stakes
OPERA SINGER (3YO, Filly)
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Sire: JUSTIFY
Dam: LISCANNA
Dam’s Sire: SADLER’S WELL
No. of 1-2-3-Starts: 3-2-1-7
Smart filly who won three times at two, including the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac at ParisLongchamp. Fell short of that level but still hit the places when third to FALLEN ANGEL in the Irish 1000 Guineas and stepped up on that reappearance when a length second to PORTA FORTUNA in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot last time. Uncomplicated frontrunner who could prove hard to pass with this step up in trip expected to suit (good deal more stamina on the dam's side of the pedigree than would be guessed from the dam and grandam's record).
EMILY UPJOHN (5YO, Mare)
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
Sire: SEA THE STAR
Dam: HIDDEN BRIEF
Dam’s Sire: BARATHEA
No. of 1-2-3-Starts: 5-3-0-12
Classy mare who produced a career-best when landing the G1 British Champions’ Fillies & Mares Stakes in October 2022 and then made no mistake when winning the Coronation Cup at Epsom (by 1¾ lengths from WESTOVER) before a creditable second in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown (half a length behind PADDINGTON), both in 2023. Not at her best on first two starts of 2024 but somewhat back on track when a half-length second to BLUESTOCKING in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh last time.
ELMALKA (3YO, Filly)
Trainer: Roger Varian
Sire: KINGMAN
Dam: NAHRAIN
Dam’s Sire: SELKIR
No. of 1-2-3-Starts: 2-0-1-4
Unexposed half-sister to the high-class BENBATL who overcame inexperience when winning the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket (by a neck from PORTA FORTUNA) in May, coming from a long way back to pick up the pieces after an overly-strong gallop. That race working out well, but unable to follow up when fourth to the re-opposing PORTA FORTUNA in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot last time. Will undoubtedly be at home over this trip.
SPARKLING PLENTY (3YO, Filly)
Trainer: Patrice Cottier
Sire: KINGMAN
Dam: SPERALITA
Dam’s Sire: FRANKEL
No. of 1-2-3-Starts: 5-0-1-8
French hold-up filly who stepped up on her solid if unspectacular 2YO form/early 2024 runs when not beaten far in the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, before overcoming a pace bias to win the G2 Prix de Sandringham in June at Chantilly. Progressed again when following up in G1 Prix de Diane at the same course last time, by a head from SURVIE, again overcoming a positional bias. Will need a strong pace to be seen to best effect.