G1 targets for Footsteps filly J Wonder

A step back up to G1 company beckons for J Wonder (3f Footstepsinthesand-Canterbury Lace, by Danehill) following her last-gasp success under Jimmy Fortune in the G3 L'Ormarins Queens Plate over seven furlongs at Goodwood on Friday.

The daughter of Footstepsinthesand, trained by Brian Meehan, also won the G3 Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury in April.

She settled well in the Goodwood contest and came with a strong run inside the final furlong to cut down long-time leader Muteela under Jimmy Fortune

“J Wonder was wonderful today. Jimmy gave her a beautiful ride and knows her inside out - he rides her nearly every week,” said Meehan. “She was very good in the Fred Darling but things did not work out in the French Guineas or in the Coronation Stakes. She got a little fired up going to the gate and things like that but she was wonderful today.

"I'm really pleased because she is such a gorgeous filly. I think a mile will be OK now she is settling. She was very keen in the Coronation but we have corrected that and she will have enjoyed that today.

"There is the G1 Matron Stakes, the G1 Sun Chariot Stakes and the G1 First Lady Stakes at Keeneland has also been mentioned. Now she's back where she belongs, there are all sorts of options.”

J Wonder, a full-sister to G1 Matron Stakes winner Chachamaidee, was bought as a foal at Keeneland for $300,000 by Hugo Merry on behalf of owner Andrew Rosen.