Hughes backs America Queen for quick succession at York

After a welcome return to winning ways at Pontefract, America Queen could bid to quickly follow up at York on Sunday.

The daughter of Havana Grey has always been held in high regard by trainer Richard Hughes, but her EBF Sky Bet Club Flying Fillies’ Stakes was the first time she had found the scoresheet since her dazzling Haydock debut last year.

Seen as a Classic candidate after finishing second in the Nell Gwyn in April, her handler was delighted to see her land that deserved Listed success and with upcoming options thin on the ground, he is eyeing a run in the Starman At Tally Ho Stud Garrowby Stakes at a track she was second in the Lowther last term.

Hughes said: “The rain prevented me going to Deauville for the Prix de Meautry and there isn’t much about in terms of races for her, so she may have to go for another Listed race at York with a 3lb penalty.

“I should really be going for a Group Three and I’m afraid to take her to Ireland after what happened last time (withdrawn by the vets prior to Irish 1,000 Guineas). There’s nothing here, so it might have to be the Listed race at York.

“She was back at Pontefract and it was nice to see her win and also win so well.”

Meanwhile, Hughes could also step impressive Lingfield scorer Lazurite up in grade at Kempton at the weekend for a shot at the William Hill Sirenia Stakes.

Second to the well-regarded Efsixteen at Newmarket on debut, she had been off the track since disappointing at Goodwood in May before bolting up over six furlongs last Tuesday, leaving Hughes dreaming of a trip to the Breeders’ Cup later in the autumn.

He continued: “She’s a good filly and when she went to Goodwood earlier in the season, I’m not sure what happened but she blew her top going to the start.

“I gave her a break and when she was off she got an injury in her box that has taken months to heal, but she’s back now and won well at Lingfield.

“The Sirenia is an option for her and I’d like to take her to America for the Breeders’ Cup – the fillies have a good record in that juvenile sprint and the race looks made for her.

“I’m squeezing it all in a little bit, but she has a huge stride on her and she’s a lovely horse.”