Elmalka Eyes Newmarket Glory Again: Sun Chariot Stakes Next on the Horizon
1000 Guineas winner ‘most likely’ to return to the Rowley Mile in October.
Elmalka, the star filly who dazzled at Newmarket with her thrilling 1000 Guineas victory, is poised to return to the same hallowed turf for her next big challenge. Trainer Roger Varian is setting his sights on the Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes, hoping for another triumph at the scene of her Classic success.
The talented daughter of Kingman has continued to impress since her Guineas win in May. She delivered commendable performances in both the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, where she finished fourth, and the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, where she again claimed fourth place despite stepping up to a challenging 10-furlong distance.
Varian remains encouraged by Elmalka’s form, especially given the strength of the competition she faced in these high-profile races. With the filly showing positive signs in her training since Goodwood, Varian is now opting to drop her back in trip for her next outing, believing this could be the key to unlocking another Group One victory.
It's a blowout in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas, ELMALKA wins at 28/1! 😮
Tony Parker's Ramatuelle gave a bold sight but lost it in the final strides and its success instead of Silvestre De Sousa & Roger Varian pic.twitter.com/zt4Bgssa0Q
— Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) May 5, 2024
Although Elmalka holds an entry for the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown during Irish Champions Weekend, Varian is leaning towards the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket on October 5th. The Carlburg Stables trainer is confident that returning to the course and distance of her Guineas triumph, coupled with the likely autumn ground conditions, will play to her strengths.
"She's doing really well, and I couldn't be more pleased with her at the moment," Varian shared. "I think most likely we will wait for the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket. I think back in trip, hopefully on a bit of autumn ground, it all makes sense to head there, back to the course and distance of her Guineas win."
Reflecting on her recent performances, Varian added, "I'm really pleased with her, and I think she ran very well both at Ascot and at Goodwood. Although she hasn't backed up her Guineas run with another Group One win, I think they were two Group One performances. I do think she will win another Group One, and I think she will be well-suited to the challenge the Sun Chariot presents to her in October."
With Elmalka’s return to Newmarket on the horizon, her connections and fans alike are hopeful that the Sun Chariot Stakes could see this remarkable filly back in the winner’s enclosure, adding another prestigious title to her growing legacy.
