Big Negotiator could be heading for Queen Mary after York victory

Big Negotiator put herself in line for a quick reappearance in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot when opening her account at York on Friday.

Paddy Twomey’s Irish raider had caught the eye in her first two appearances finishing third at Navan on debut before knocking on the door again at Listowel late last month.

The daughter of Havana Grey was sent off the 10-11 favourite to make it third-time lucky in the hands of PJ McDonald in the Juddmonte EBF Fillies’ Restricted Novice and duly obliged, cutting out most of the running before holding on for a short-head verdict that perhaps underestimated the taking nature of the performance.

The win has almost certainly booked her spot on the teamsheet for next week’s Royal meeting, where she is one of two possible runners in Wednesday’s Queen Mary Stakes for Yorkshire-based owners Bond Thoroughbred Limited, who were delighted to see their talented youngster score on the Knavesmire.

“She did it well and looked like she was going to win quite convincingly before just seeming to pull up in front,” said Charlie Bond of the owners.

“Hopefully she comes out of the race OK and she can go straight to the Queen Mary where she can be ridden a different way round and ridden from behind rather than from the front.

“She didn’t do much there today and PJ gave her one go with the whip just as a reminder. She was going easy and when she came back in she wasn’t blowing so I think the intention from Paddy is to turn her back out quickly.

“If she’s fine in the morning I’m sure we’ll be going to the Queen Mary.”

Big Negotiator could join Coronation Stakes-bound Irish 1,000 Guineas fourth Black Caviar Gold on a raiding mission from Twomey’s stable in the black and yellow Bond Thoroughbred silks.

The winner could also be joined by the Jamie Osborne-trained Chepstow runner-up Big Hitter for the owners in the Queen Mary, while the Bond team are currently hoping for rain so Andrew Balding’s Marvelman can take his chance in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

Bond added: “If the rain comes in he’ll run on the Saturday but it would need to be good or slower.

“His campaign will be more in the autumn when the rains come, but I spoke to Andrew the other day and he’s in flying form, it’s just a case of waiting for the right conditions.”