SAHorseracing.com
SAHorseracing.com
Bedtime Story Shines Again in Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown

Bedtime Story, the impressive Royal Ascot victor, continued her unbeaten streak with a commanding performance in the Jockey Club of Turkey Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, this daughter of Frankel, out of the speedy Mecca’s Angel, returned to the track where she made her stunning debut.

Having previously decimated the competition in the Chesham Stakes by nine and a half lengths, Bedtime Story was the clear 1-16 favorite under jockey Ryan Moore for this Group Three race. Moore guided her effortlessly alongside stablemate Exactly with a furlong to go, before she breezed past for a three-and-a-half-length victory.

Following this win, Paddy Power kept her as the 5-2 favorite for next year’s 1000 Guineas and placed her as the 8-1 leading contender for the Oaks.

"I’m delighted with her, and Ryan was too. He said he didn’t even have to push her," said O’Brien. "She was very green and ideally, he would have liked a faster pace. He just taught her throughout the race."

O’Brien emphasized the race was more about education. "This was about learning, and Leopardstown is a great place for that. Ryan said she’s very pacey and classy, and we saw that today. It’s promising that he never had to open her up fully."

Reflecting on their strategy, O’Brien noted, "Last year, running Ylang Ylang at the front harmed her mentally for the rest of the season. That’s why we let the other filly lead today, to teach Bedtime Story to relax and race."

Looking ahead, O’Brien suggested the Debutante Stakes at the Curragh as the next target for Bedtime Story, leading up to the Moyglare. "We’re teaching her to relax and race, and she’s responding well."

O’Brien also provided updates on his other horses. He mentioned Fairy Godmother, the Albany Stakes winner, and their plans with her. "We were considering the Phoenix or the Morny for Fairy Godmother, but Whistlejacket might take that spot now."

Henri Matisse is set for the Futurity en route to the National Stakes, while Lake Victoria could target the Debutante before the Moyglare. The Lion In Winter is eyeing the Goffs Million with a preparatory run likely in the Futurity.

Bedtime Story’s performance in the Silver Flash Stakes adds to the anticipation surrounding her future races, promising more exciting victories ahead. 

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