Atalanta preview: Marco Botti anticipating bold show from Aljazzi

Marco Botti feels Aljazzi has a big chance to boost her worth when she lines up for the Group Three BetBright Casino Atalanta Stakes at Sandown on Saturday.

The four-year-old daughter of Shamardal is already a dual Listed winner and ran a career best on her latest start when second to Qemah in the Group Two Duke Of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Botti gave her a rest after that notable effort with the intention of bringing her back for this contest, which is also over her optimum trip of a mile.

"Obviously, Ascot was her best performance to date and it was on fast ground. She had a nice break since and seems in great form," said the Newmarket trainer.

"We've been waiting for this race for a while. We've had it in mind for her. They've had a few showers at Sandown but the ground shouldn't be any worse than good.

"I couldn't be happier with her condition and we hope for the best. There's not many Group races for fillies over a mile and she's definitely a miler. It looks a good opportunity and it would be nice to win a Group Three because she is a Listed winner and Group Two-placed. If she won a Group Three, it would increase her value."

Nathra hinted her turn was near when putting in good work when third to Massaat in the Group Two Hungerford Stakes over seven furlongs at Newbury two weeks ago.

That was only the second run of the season for the John Gosden-trained filly having returned to action in July after 10 months off the track.

"She's not got a bad draw (six), she's been working well and has a good chance," said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Abdullah Al Saeed Naboodah.

"Stepping back up to a mile will suit her. It looked as though she wanted a mile on her last start."

Raymond is also responsible for Urban Fox, who is owned by Saeed Manana. The James Tate-trained filly has been a regular in Pattern races for the last 12 months but has yet to get her head in front in one despite several creditable efforts.

"She always runs well and is often the bridesmaid. She's up against it in these types of races, but there is nowhere else to go with her," said Raymond.

Intimation (above) is making a quick reappearance after finishing a close second to Rain Goddess in the Group Three Snow Fairy Fillies' Stakes at the Curragh last Sunday.

She did not get the best of runs that day on her first start since May and connections of the Sir Michael Stoute-trained five-year-old report her to be in fine form. "She was unlucky last week, but she's in good form," said Chris Richardson, managing director for owners Cheveley Park Stud, who took this prize 12 months ago with Persuasive.

"I know it's a quick run back, but she came out of the race well and she's improved from last year. We'll see what happens."

Cheveley Park are also represented by the William Haggas-trained three-year-old On Her Toes, who is a dual Listed winner and has been placed at this level.

"She's a good, consistent filly at that level. She's pretty exposed but we feel that's where we'd like to go with her at the moment," said Richardson.