Brittain keeping faith with Albabilia

Albabilia is to be given the chance to redeem her reputation in the Cheveley Park Stakes after a genuine excuse emerged for her lacklustre display in the Goffs Fillies Million.

Clive Brittain’s juvenile was well-fancied for the lucrative Curragh contest but finished a distant last under Seb Sanders.

However, a subsequent inspection conducted by veterinary staff highlighted a coronary abnormality.

“She had a heart problem when she ran in Ireland and we think it was the stress of flying her over,” Brittain said.

“She went over for the Moyglare by ferry but last time she panicked and sweated up on the plane. She lost 17 kilos on the journey so obviously the flying doesn’t suit her.

“She ran a good race in the Moyglare but unfortunately we had to make too much use of her. The idea in the sales race was to drop her in and come from behind.

“But Seb knew something was wrong and he didn’t pressure her. When we got her back to the stables they tested her and found only part of her heart was working, so we were lucky she didn’t go down.”

Brittain had previously compared Albabilia favourably with his 1000 Guineas winner Sayyedati and is keeping the faith in the daughter of King’s Best.

“Horses race and things happen in races but what she’s shown us at home is ability and she hasn’t lost that,” he told At The Races.

“We won’t be flying to Newmarket, but let’s hope she’ll fly (when she’s) there!”

Michael Stoute’s Visit has also been given the nod to line up in the Group One six-furlong showpiece.

The Oasis Dream filly made a big impression when landing the Princess Margaret at Ascot before finishing a close second in the Lowther Stakes on the Knavesmire.

Owner Prince Khalid Abdullah’s racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said: “Visit has come on very well since her run at York.

“She is in good form and will take her place in the Cheveley Park Stakes,” he told www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk.

“I really think the Rowley Mile will suit her well. It is a good, stiff six furlongs with an uphill finish. She worked last Saturday and went nicely.”