English/Ire
Great Generation gets up for second successive Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes success
Marco Botti’s Great Generation showed a sparkling turn of foot to get up late and make it back-to-back wins in the Group 3 William Hill Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes at Lingfield on Saturday.
Carrying a penalty, the Marco Botti-trained filly had to give weight to all five of her rivals and victory didn't always look on the cards, with Jabaara striking for home with a furlong to travel.
Roger Varian's charge almost looked to have the race sewn up heading into the closing stages, but Great Generation, who had been given a patient ride against the rail by Marco Ghiani, came with a late flourish to get up by a neck close home.
Ralph Beckett's 11/10 market leader Cathedral was ultimately disappointing back in fourth.
Speaking of his 11/2 winner, Botti said on ITV racing: "I thought it was a good performance with a penalty,"
"I was pleased, she got nice cover, and she has a very good turn of foot. Marco delivered her at the right time, and she picked up well.
"She's 20 kilos heavier than last year and has done really well physically.
Botti now has a dilemma as to whether he keeps his filly at seven furlongs or drops her to six.
He said: "I think going forward we have to decide whether we stick to seven, although at the back of my mind I would like to see her over six as well.
"Ascot could be an option and the race I would love to run her in is the July Cup. We'll discuss with the team, and I'm delighted with her today.
"She's got plenty of toe and I can't see dropping back in trip being a problem."
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