Successful Sceptre defence top of Matilda Picotte's agenda admits Kieran Cotter

Kieran Cotter’s front-runner finished second in the Group Three event 12 months ago before marching on to Town Moor to claim the Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes a few weeks later.

And connections will be hoping it is a case of lightning striking twice after their star filly’s latest near-miss, when headed in the shadow of the post after a brave effort to make all.

Cotter said: “She came back a bit tired but she’s healthy and well. She was second in that race last year and that last 110 yards just does her.

“It was heartbreaking to see her chinned again and she put in some serious fractions there. It was no fault of her own, it’s just the way she runs.

“The plan is the same as last year and we will head for the Sceptre Stakes at Doncaster and hopefully there might be a bit of rain there to help her.

“She has proven form at the track and we will try to get a win into her again and go from there.”

Matilda Picotte ran out a convincing winner of the Sceptre Stakes in 2023 before making a further successful UK raid to claim Newmarket’s seven-furlong Challenge Stakes later in the autumn.

That Group Two prize is also on the radar again for the speedy daughter of Sioux Nation, but Cotter could be tempted to roll the dice and head to ParisLongchamp for the Prix de la Foret – Europe’s only open-age Group One over her optimum trip – if things go to plan in South Yorkshire.

“Doncaster is a race that fits in well with the schedule from last year and she is in the Foret, so depending how things go, there are a few options open to her,” Cotter added.

“There’s also the Challenge Stakes which she won in Newmarket – that wouldn’t fit in with going to France, but it is an option.

“We’re hoping once she drops back to just seven furlongs, she will do the job. The pace she puts in through the seven, not many horses can sit with her, but they can’t let her get away either. We’ve plenty to look forward to.”