Sir Mark Prescott's exciting 2-year-old Moon Target is set for her stiffest task yet as she takes on a compelling field of talented 2-year-old fillies in the Prestige Fillies' Stakes (G3) at Goodwood Aug. 24. The winner of the 7-furlong contest is guaranteed an automatic starting position in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) through the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In.
Out of a half sister to Inspiral, Moon Target made a sparkling impression for Cheveley Park Stud on debut at Newmarket when winning the Juddmonte EBF Restricted Maiden Fillies' Stakes in July. She then confirmed her promise with a smooth follow up victory in novice company at Yarmouth earlier this month. Her progression has marked her out as a filly with real potential, and she now deservedly steps into group company with Luke Morris aboard at odds of 7-2.
Prescott said: "You don't want to be disparaging, but I don't suppose they were world-beaters Moon Target beat at Yarmouth. However, she did it well didn't she and she appears to be very relaxed, which is such a great help."
Asked when he became aware of Moon Target's ability, Prescott said: "Not until I worked her, I liked her much, much more once I worked her as she always went very, very well without apparently doing anything.
"Initially, I thought the others must be very bad because of the way she just did it, so she's been interesting, and I think she caught everybody by surprise when it turned out at home she could go."
With one Prestige Stakes for Moon Target's owners secured almost 30 years ago, Prescott hopes the daughter of Cracksman can rise to the challenge for another: "I've been a while without one for Cheveley and I had a marvelous run for them with Pivotal, Red Camellia who actually won the Prestige, and Hooray, who often gets forgotten and was champion 2-year-old filly."
The leading owner-breeder operation have previously captured Breeders' Cup glory with Queen's Trust, winner of the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) in 2016 under Frankie Dettori, and the aforementioned Inspiral, who clinched the 2023 renewal of the same race at Santa Anita Park for John and Thady Gosden.
While several of the strong contenders originally entered for Sunday's meeting are now out, each of the eight declared comes into the race with a respectable hand. Al Shaqab Racing & Amo Racing's Aylin, a course and distance winner for trainer Karl Burke, returns to stamp her authority at Goodwood, having won the Tatler British EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes last month.
Aidan O'Brien, the joint winning most trainer in Breeders' Cup history, saddles one contender in this race, the only horse to represent an Irish challenge. Precise—owned by Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor & Westerberg— is untested at this level but nonetheless appears a smart prospect following her maiden victory.
As part of the benefits of the Challenge Series, Breeders' Cup will pay the entry fees for the winner of the Prestige Fillies Stakes (G3) to start in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T) at Del Mar. Breeders' Cup will also provide a travel allowance for all starters based outside of North America to compete in the World Championships.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
