Stakes Aim For Wootton Bassett’s Latest Maiden Winner

Chantez (2f Wootton Bassett – Lady Lara, by Excellent Art) will step into Stakes company after running out a commanding winner of the seven-furlong fillies maiden at Leopardstown on Thursday.

The Ger Lyons-trained filly emerged as a smart prospect on debut last month, when she finished a head behind Exactly over course and distance, with the winner placed in a Group 3 next time out. Chantez was sent off favourite to go one better under Colin Keane and raced prominently throughout, quickening to assert before the final furlong. She ran on strongly to lead by three lengths on the line.

Speaking after the race, Lyons said, “I loved her first run here as they quickened twice and I said that was a bit above the ordinary as a maiden. We came back here, to the track she had handled, with a view to the Ingabelle Stakes.

“She did what we thought she would do. She is so light, so immature, she is just not there yet. In any other year, she could be our best filly.”

A half-sister to dual Group winner Changingoftheguard (Galileo), Chantez was bred by Coolmore and sold at Tattersalls Book 1, where owners Newtown Anner Stud picked her up for 220,000gns. Her half-brother by Camelot is catalogued in the upcoming Goffs Orby Sale.