Fellowes looking for Perfect Derby day with star filly

Shes Perfect could tee-up a return to the top table when she heads to Epsom for a competitive running of the Princess Elizabeth Stakes on Saturday.

Charlie Fellowes’ four-year-old, who is owned by social media influencer Basher Watts’ racing club, hit the headlines when denied French 1000 Guineas glory in the stewards’ room last season before also seeking Classic honours in the Prix de Diane.

A setback curtailed her three-year-old progress but hopes are high she can build on an encouraging reappearance third at Goodwood on the Surrey Downs in a Group Three event in which she will be expected to be one of the leading players, despite meeting some unexposed opposition.

Fellowes said: “She’s a beautifully put together and well-balanced filly. You never know about Epsom until you try, and it is a unique racetrack, but I’d be pretty confident that she’d go down Tattenham Corner pretty well.

“It’s a Group Three on Derby day, so it was always going to be a strong race and it’s decent prize-money, so they deserve a good field.

“The proximity to Ascot has probably taken a few away from the race but it’s still a good field and you’ve got a filly who was second at the Breeders’ Cup (Pacific Mission), Sparks Fly who on her day is very talented on soft ground and some less exposed types coming upwards.

“It’s by no means a penalty kick but she’s going there in great order and I wouldn’t change anything.”

Saturday’s contest could unlock a return to the highest level for Shes Perfect, with Fellowes having his eye on all of the major fillies only Group One events over a mile in the coming months.

Meanwhile, connections have always considered the Prix de la Foret on Arc day as a fitting spot for their star daughter of Sioux Nation to gain redemption in France.

Fellowes added: “The dream is that she wins on Saturday and then we can go back to Group One company. We’ve got some unfinished business at the top-level.

“I think there are a number of Group One races over a mile in Europe at tracks that could really suit her, including at Newmarket in the Falmouth and the Sun Chariot. The Matron over in Ireland is another option and maybe if Arc weekend came up very soft then a race like the Prix de la Foret wouldn’t be out of reach.

“If she doesn’t win at Epsom then our main target will be to get some big black type because although she’s placed in a Classic, she’s never won a stakes race and she’s going to be sold at the end of the year, so it’s incredibly important that she does win one at some point.”