Bluestocking Eyes Autumn Glory After Brave Run in Juddmonte International

Bluestocking, the Juddmonte-owned star, will now be targeting Group One success against her own sex this autumn following her valiant performance in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York. Trained by Ralph Beckett, the daughter of Camelot held her own once again in elite company, finishing a commendable fourth behind the dazzling City Of Troy.

The four-year-old filly had already made a name for herself earlier in the season, breaking her Group One duck and delivering consistently strong performances. Her latest effort over the same course and distance as her Middleton Stakes victory in May further solidified her place among the top middle-distance fillies in training.

Bluestocking’s fourth-place finish follows her impressive runner-up effort in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last month, where she chased home the formidable Goliath. Despite the tough competition, Bluestocking continues to make her connections proud with her tenacity and class.

Barry Mahon, European racing manager for Juddmonte, praised the filly’s consistency and determination. “We were absolutely delighted with her. When you look back, you’re going to say it’s the race of the year, and she has given her all to finish fourth,” said Mahon. “Of course, we all want to win, but she has run exceptionally well on ground that’s probably a bit quicker than she prefers. She’s never let us down.”

With Bluestocking having come through the race in good shape, the decision has been made to give her a short break before targeting key autumn races. Among the options on the table are a trip to ParisLongchamp for the Prix de l’Opera on Arc weekend or a return to Ascot for the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, where she finished a close second last year.

“I would say we will give September a miss and really freshen her up and look at Longchamp and Ascot in October,” continued Mahon. “The Prix de l’Opera is appealing, although there was talk of supplementing her for the Arc. But with a €120,000 fee required to enter, we’re leaning towards sticking to her own sex, where she has a strong chance of adding another Group One to her record.”

Mahon also highlighted the exciting prospects for Juddmonte this autumn, with Andrew Balding’s Kalpana also aimed at the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes. “We have two lovely fillies, and it’s great to have both Bluestocking and Kalpana to look forward to at the end of the season,” he added.

As Bluestocking gears up for her autumn campaign, connections remain confident that she has what it takes to secure another major victory, with her sights set firmly on top-level success in the closing months of the season.