Sir Michael Stoute looks to have a high-class prospect to go to war with for one final time.
Just hours after legendary trainer Sir Michael Stoute announced he would retire from training at the end of the season, Formal powered to success to make it two from two for the Newmarket-handler.
An impressive winner on her debut at Newbury, the beautifully-bred daughter of Dubawi, who is out of Sir Michael Stoute's Group 1 winner Veracious, was sent off an 8/13 chance to defy her 6lb penalty.
The Cheveley Park-owned filly broke smartly and in rain-softened ground, she only needed to be pushed out under hands and heels riding by Stoute's long-time ally Ryan Moore to record a commanding two-and-a-half-length success.
Paddy Power cut the winner to 8/1 (from 14s) for the Rockfel Stakes, with the same firm making her a 20/1 chance for next season's 1000 Guineas.
Speaking on Racing TV following the performance, Chris Richardson, managing director for owners Cheveley Park Stud, said: "It was very impressive, and I think Ryan was very smitten and very taken with her,"
"We were a little bit concerned about the ground as the ground had changed, but I think it was very appropriate on such a day that a daughter of Veracious could come and win and we have fond memories of her winning the Falmouth Stakes in 2019.
"She handled it at Newbury, and I think her class was in evidence this afternoon and hopefully there is much to look forward to.
"Obviously we will discuss options moving forward with Sir Michael and Patricia Thompson in due course."
Cheveley Park Stud have been longtime supporters of Sir Michael Stoute, a relationship Chris Richardson looks back at fondly, with highlights including Russian Rhythm's 2003 1000 Guineas success.
He added: "It's been a wonderful relationship, Patricia Thompson and Cheveley Park have had horses with him for over 40 seasons.
"He's an iconic trainer and a very talented and amazing horseman really. It has been a pleasure for me to work with him over the years and hopefully, we have a few more big days to go before the end of the season.
"It's been a wonderful association and I'm sure he will be much missed, but I'm sure he will have plenty more to offer. It's been a sensational relationship and to think we have had over 37 individual Group winners trained by Sir Michael.
"It's the end of an era and I still haven't worked out his secret for watching a gallop. He always used to amaze me; he could see more than I ever could understand."
