Millman hoping he has two good chances of Dick Poole repeat

Rod Millman enjoyed IRE-Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Dick Poole Fillies’ Stakes glory 12 months ago and is double-handed with two exciting fillies as he attempts to repeat the dose at Salisbury on Thursday.

The Devon handler sent out Anthelia to land the Group Three event in the hands of Lewis Edmunds in 2025 and having been given the choice between Lola De Valence and course-and-distance winning stablemate Fillipas, the jockey has plumped for the former after a stylish Nottingham victory on her second start last month.

Fillipas, meanwhile, will have the assistance of Colin Keane representing last year’s winning owners Middleham Park Racing.

Millman said: “Lola De Valence is a very nice filly, we think a lot of her. Fillipas ran a nice race at Salisbury when she won and any rain would help her

“It was a hard decision for Lewis and both had won, but Colin rides the other one and we’ve two good jockeys.

“After we won the maiden at Nottingham with Lola we thought we’d wait for this race. Fillipas ran poorly on her second run which was a shame, but she came right back to form and beat some decent horses last time at Salisbury.

“It’s a step up for them and whether they are good enough we’ll find out.”

A total field of 11 will contest the six-furlong feature, including Clive Cox’s Lowther Stakes fourth Miss Kodi who arguably sets the standard on known form.

Also of interest is Kevin Philippart De Foy’s Nuit d’Eclair who drops back in distance after a near-miss in the Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket.

“She was declared to run in the Prestige Stakes at Goodwood on Sunday, but I thought the seven furlongs on soft ground would stretch her a bit too far,” explained the Newmarket handler.

“She’s in great form and I think a bit of juice in the ground over six furlongs will be perfect for her.

“She hit the front and just got caught late on at Newmarket but showed a great turn of foot that day and has won over six furlongs earlier in the season.

“I do think a bit of juice in the ground will bring about some improvement from her and she’s a well-bred filly who has done very little wrong and is still entitled to improve a little bit.”