TRAINER Jane Chapple-Hyam is ready to shed her ‘bridesmaid’ tag and win her first Group 1.
The native Aussie is set to saddle the high-class Saffron Beach in Friday’s Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.
The filly was a brave second to the re-opposing Mother Earth in the 1000 Guineas in May but failed to get home over 1m4f when well-beaten in the Oaks.
Chapple-Hyam, ex-wife of Derby-winning trainer Peter, has had some top quality horses through her hands in recent years.
She has hit the post three times in Group 1 races, with Secret Asset, Traffic Guard and Annie Skates all finishing second at the top level.
But she is hopeful that Saffron Beach, who is a 14-1 shot for the Falmouth with Paddy Power, can go one place better.
Chapple-Hyam said: “I was involved with a lot of outstanding horses at Manton, when I’d often be on the lead horse when they galloped.
“Saffron Beach would be right up there with the best I’ve trained myself, but I’ve been the bridesmaid a few times in big races, including in the Prix de l’Abbaye with Secret Asset, the Irish Champion with Traffic Guard and at the Breeders’ Cup (Annie Skates).
“I’ve knocked at the door plenty of times, but I’m still waiting for the big one.
“Saffron Beach relaxed well in the 1000 Guineas and came home strong, but we’d all forgotten how good Mother Earth was because of all the talk about her stable-companion Santa Barbara.
“People say it would have been a better finish if they had eyeballed each other, but they were wide apart and Mother Earth had the better turn of foot. It was a great run though.”
She continued: “We didn’t learn a great deal in the Oaks as it was very heavy ground and she ran to the line like a tired horse.
“When she went for the 1000 Guineas I felt she’d be in the first three, and although the Falmouth looks a strong race she’s definitely entitled to be involved in the finish again.
“One thing we have going for us is that nearly all of her main opponents – bar Primo Bacio – ran at Royal Ascot, so it’s going to be interesting to see how they turn around in just three weeks.
“David Egan galloped her on the July Course last week and said she felt great – so it’s all systems go.”
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