Cathedral hunting Atalanta honours for Kevin Philippart de Foy

Kevin Philippart de Foy is excited to see Cathedral run for the first time in his name when she heads to Sandown for the BetMGM Atalanta Stakes on Saturday.

Despite not adding to her impressive debut success from last autumn, the high-class three-year-old has caught the eye many times in defeat for previous handler Ralph Beckett – including when fourth in the Coronation Stakes – and reverts to a mile on her first outing for Amo Racing’s principal trainer.

“She’s a smart filly and I think she got a bit stuck in the ground in France with the trip a little bit far, so conditions on Saturday should suit her better, providing we don’t get too much rain,” said Philippart de Foy.

“The filly arrived in very good shape from Ralph and we have just kept her ticking along.

“She has some good form and ran a great race at Royal Ascot in the Coronation Stakes. She is definitely an exciting filly for the future.”

The likely favourite is Andrew Balding’s Blue Bolt, who brought up a hat-trick when landing the Listed Coral Distaff over course and distance in July, and will be partnered once again by Colin Keane from a wide draw in stall 11 as she now steps up to Group level.

“She’s been very progressive all year and has had a little break since her win the last day,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte.

“She appears in good form, Andrew’s happy with her. It’s probably not the greatest of draws out in 11, so she’ll have to overcome that, but she’s in a good space and the team at Kingsclere are happy, so we’re hopeful she’ll progress from here.”

Blue Bolt is joined in the line-up by another Juddmonte-owned contender, with the Beckett-trained Skellett also bringing course-and-distance form to the table having won the Fortune Stakes last autumn.

Mahon added: “She’s had a bit of a frustrating season with a few niggly little hold-ups. It’s obviously two and half months since we saw her last when she was disappointing at Epsom and Ralph is happier with her now, she’s in good form and any rain they get at Sandown would probably be beneficial to her.

“She is a filly that is capable of turning up in a race like this, but she might just need a bit of rain to show her best.”

Meanwhile, Roger Varian is intrigued to see how the unbeaten Lady In Spain gets on in her belated seasonal return, as she makes her first appearance at both Group level and on turf in Esher.

Varian said: “There’s a lot to look forward to with Lady In Spain, she’s really talented.

“We met a setback with her after she won at Deauville in December, so we’ve had to be patient, but she’s training really well now and she’s a lovely filly.

“Although she’s a four-year-old, she’s only had the four lifetime starts and I think she’s training and looking better than ever.

“We’re really excited about her heading into the autumn and who knows, maybe next year as well.”

Of the remainder, Ollie Sangster’s 1000 Guineas runner-up Flight drops in grade after three runs at the highest level this term, while John and Thady’s Gosden’s impressive Epsom scorer Spiritual was also seen at the top-table in her most recent outing and is now reverting to slightly calmer waters.