Soumillon steers Miss Scott to Snow Fairy success

British raider Miss Scott struck gold in Group-race company at the first time of asking with a ready success in the Snow Fairy Fillies Stakes at the Curragh.

The three-year-old had won two of her previous four starts for John and Thady Gosden and having filled the runner-up spot at Listed level in the Upavon Fillies’ Stakes at Salisbury last time, she tested the water at Group Three level on Irish soil under Christophe Soumillon.

The Belgian rider laid down the challenge to long-time leader and fellow 3-1 joint-favourite Faiyum as they passed the furlong marker and Miss Scott quickly put the race to bed, leaving her market rival in her wake as she scooted away to win by three and three-quarter lengths.

“It was not easy from that draw to get a better position – I was three deep without any cover all the way,” said Soumillon.

“She was really relaxed all the time. When I asked her to pick up quite early she responded so well. and when I hit the front in the last furlong she was just pointing her heels and stopping a bit.

“I needed to get her concentrated until the line. She loves the ground and she’s a very easy ride, so I didn’t have to do much with her.”

Speaking from Sandown, Thady Gosden added: “Things didn’t go right for her last time at Salisbury in the Upavon, but she came of that really well.

“It was quite tight between races, especially with the ship to Ireland, but the one-mile-one at the Curragh with ease in the ground has suited her well.

“We’ll see how she comes out of this but she’s in the Prix de l’Opera at the end of the year over a mile and a quarter and we’ll see if that comes a little bit soon for her, being a top-class race.

“But she hasn’t done an awful lot throughout her career, has never been out of the first two. She has a fantastic pedigree and it’s wonderful to win a Group race for the owners who have a great history in European racing.”