Gosden Team Hand Nashwa and Inspiral French Targets

[Wandering Eyes]

Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}), one of the shining lights of the Flat season, is set to tackle the G1 Prix de l'Opera on her next start while fellow John and Thady Gosden-trained filly Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) will take on the boys in the G1 Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville on Sunday after pleasing connections in a key workout on Tuesday. 

The Prix de Diane winner Nashwa lit up Goodwood when successful in the Nassau S. and, according to Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for the filly's owner Imad Al Sagar, a return to France has always been the plan.

He said, “She came out of the Nassau really well so we're just looking at the various options. She's in very good form. She certainly has the scope to make a nice 4-year-old, but that would be entirely up to Imad in terms of how she is.

“The main thing is there is a bit of running to do this year and then take a look at the options, but she'd look a very interesting 4-year-old prospect.”

He added, “I think the Prix de l'Opera has been in John's mind since the Diane, really, so that is on the cards. But we'll keep our eyes open.

“She's not dissimilar to Frankel when you look at her head, and she certainly has a good turn of foot-her sectionals were most impressive at Goodwood.”

Meanwhile, Inspiral will face something of a retrieval mission at Deauville on Sunday as she bids to bounce back from a poor run in the Falmouth S. at Newmarket last month.

Chris Richardson of Cheveley Park Stud, who own Inspiral, told the Racing Post, “Frankie [Dettori] was very happy with Inspiral this morning and, subject to speaking to [owner] Patricia Thompson, all being well Inspiral will head to Deauville on Sunday.”

Richardson added, “We don't really know what went wrong at Newmarket last time. You could say it was the ground or maybe the bounce factor after bringing her back a little quickly after Royal Ascot.

“Funnily enough, John said that we did the same with Nannina (GB) (Medicean {GB}) a few years ago when she won the Coronation, then came to the July course and ran flat.

“In the run-up to the Falmouth I suppose we felt she'd only had the one run as a three-year-old, so it was worth bouncing her back a bit quick. She had a nice comeback win and you would have hoped she could have gone on from there, but it was quite a tight turnaround.

“The feeling after that was to give her a nice freshen-up and she pleased us this morning. She used this gallop before Royal Ascot, so we know it works for her.

“At Ascot, the in-running comment was that 'she hit a flat spot' and then picked up, but I don't think she did that this morning. Her turn of foot was instant.”

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