Fallon hoping filly can bloom

Kieren Fallon today issued an upbeat report on one-time Classic hope Red Bloom as she bids to break her duck for the season at York tomorrow.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained filly went into winter quarters as favourite for the 1000 Guineas but could finish only fourth to Attraction, before occupying third spot behind the same horse in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Connections had not been particularly upbeat about her chances before either race and she has not run since.

But the champion jockey told At The Races today: “She’s come back to herself and worked well the other morning. I’m happy with the way she’s been going.

“She’s had most of the season off because she hasn’t been right. But hopefully she will be there tomorrow and show us how good she is.”

The Cheveley Park-owned daughter of Selkirk will face three rivals in the nine-furlong sportingoptions.co.uk Betting Exchange Strensall Stakes, headed by dual Group One-placed miler Salselon.

Luca Cumani’s ex-Italian colt is a talented performer, as witnessed by his second in the Lockinge Stakes and third in the Queen Anne.

However, he does have his quirks and has failed to build on those efforts in his two runs since the Royal meeting.

The globe-trotting Imperial Dancer, third in a German Group One on his penultimate start, represents Mick Channon, with Mark Tompkins’ Lincoln winner Babodana completing the field for the Group Three contest.