MEEHAN EYES LYRIC OPPORTUNITY AT YORK
Brian Meehan is hoping Miss Justice can further enhance her future breeding credentials in tomorrow’s Listed British EBF Lyric Fillies’ Stakes at York Racecourse.
The five-year-old mare already has a black-type victory to her name, courtesy of her 2025 success in the British Stallion Studs EBF Upavon Fillies’ Stakes at Salisbury.
Now the daughter of Justify is aimed at another Listed prize, taking on a select field over the extended mile and a quarter on the Knavesmire.
Miss Justice comes into the £70,000 race on the back of two solid pieces of form. She finished fourth of 12 in Listed company in Chantilly in June and filled the same position in a nine-runner Group 2 contest at Newmarket earlier this month.
Those races were staged over a mile and a half, but Meehan has no concerns about Miss Justice dropping back in distance for her latest assignment.
The Manton-based trainer said: “She’s been very consistent all year. She’s run some very good races, apart from the Dahlia.
“The trip on Friday night is pretty much the distance she won her stakes race over. So, we’re happy to come back in trip.
“She’s got a lot of tactical speed over a mile and a half, so I’m confident that a mile and a quarter would be very comfortable for her.
“It’s just a good opportunity for her. She’s in great form.”
Diamond Rain looks likely to be an odds-on favourite for the six-runner race. The Godolphin mare was placed twice in Grade 1 company in North America last year and was just edged out by a short head in a Group 3 at Newcastle a month ago.
Group 2 winner Qilin Queen runs for trainer Ed Walker’s powerful Lambourn yard and On Message and Estissa represent the Classic generation.
Four-year-old Regal Charm is upped in grade after scoring in handicap company at Salisbury last time out.
Friday’s card comprises six races, the first of which is set for 5.32. After the racecourse action, attention will switch to the big stage with renowned star Craig David bringing his TS5 party.
York’s Music Showcase Weekend continues on Saturday headed by the Group 2 Sky Bet York Stakes.
Tom Grennan, the English singer-songwriter, follows after seven afternoon races on Saturday.
Both days of racing are part of the Sky Bet Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival.