Fanshawe eyeing Song return

James Fanshawe is hoping his stable star Soviet Song will return to action in either the Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes on May 20 or the Ridgewood Pearl Stakes a week later.

The six-year-old mare has not been seen on the track since finishing second to Proclamation in the Sussex Stakes last July but Fanshawe has issued a positive bulletin about his multiple Group One winner, who began cantering again last month.

He said: “She came back with a cough from Goodwood, then she started getting problems with her feet and so we left her alone.

“I’m really pleased that her feet have responded well for the rest. They are in good shape and for the first time in three years she has got steel shoes on again.

“Fingers crossed, she stays sound and retains her enthusiasm, which I’m pretty sure she has. She is bucking, kicking and squealing – she likes to let everyone know she’s the boss.

“She started cantering earlier this year than she did last and I’m hoping that we’ll either be able to go to the Lockinge or the Ridgewood Pearl Stakes at the Curragh.

“But if we miss out, then she’d start at Royal Ascot in the Windsor Forest.”

Elite Racing Club’s flag-bearer had just three starts last term but added to her haul of top-level triumphs when bagging a second Falmouth Stakes win.