Joy has mile target

Sense Of Joy, as short as 12-1 for next year’s Stan James 1000 Guineas, is set to tackle the Meon Valley Stud Fillies Mile at Ascot on September 29.

John Gosden’s charge created a big impression when winning a Newmarket maiden by five lengths, prompting totesport to make her a 12-1 chance for the fillies’ Classic.

Either the May Hill Stakes at the redeveloped Doncaster on September 13 or the Prestige Stakes at Goodwood on August 25 are likely to be used as a stepping stone to the Group One event.

“We were absolutely thrilled with her debut. Obviously we couldn’t have been more happy with her but there is always a question over the form of two-year-old fillies’ maidens,” said Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Prince Khalid Abdullah.

“But the way she did it and the time, which was very good, gives us a bit of hope – she looked very good.

“I think her ultimate and nicest target will be something like the Fillies’ Mile and how we get her there is open to some discussion.

“The two most obvious targets before then are the May Hill and the Prestige at Goodwood, or she could just go for a conditions race, depending on how John felt she was coming along.

“Obviously the main aim is the Group One at the end of September and how she gets there will be left to John.

“Richard (Hughes, jockey) said she gave him a very good feel throughout the race. She travelled very well and quickened which are all the things you want to see in a racehorse really.”