Queen Mary Aim For Unbeaten Starspangledbanner Filly

Lady Kermit (2f Starspangledbanner - Empress Theodora, by Dansili) made it two from two when justifying favoritism at Newcastle on Friday.

The Archie Watson-trained filly impressed earlier in the month with a six length debut victory and stepped up in class on her second start, to a Class 2 Fillies’ Conditions Stakes. Racing over the minimum distance, Paul Mulrennan rode her to lead and she was never headed, encouraged to quicken approaching the final furlong, then pushed out to win comfortably.

"Lady Kermit is a nice filly, she was always comfortable - she was hacking along. She's very smart.” Paul Mulrennan, jockey.

Archie Watson added that the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot is now on the horizon for Lady Kermit, where she is due to face her paternal sibling Chasing Dreams (Starspangledbanner), an impressive winner earlier in the week at Newmarket.

Owned by Justin Dowley and Michael Pescod, Lady Kermit was picked up for £50,000 as a yearling by Howson and Houldsworth Bloodstock. Bred by Philip and Orla Hore, she is the first foal out of her dam, a half-sister to two black-type horses.