French filly Vorda has run out a convincing winner of the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket to give trainer Philippe Sogorb his first Group One win.
Vorda met with defeat for the first time when downed by American speedster No Nay Never last time out, but back against her own sex, the 11-8 favourite stamped her class on proceedings under Olivier Peslier.
Vorda was a little keen as she was kept towards the back of the field as Princess Noor raced alone and in front with Johnny Murtagh aboard.
However, Peslier found a fine response entering the final of the six furlongs (1200m), quickening past Princess Noor to take top honours by three-quarters of a length.
“I knew straight away she was a good filly as she did everything so easily, from February I knew she was really good,” Sogorb said through a translator.
“She stood out from the rest. I knew she was better than average but I didn’t think she was a Group One filly.
“I regret not being able to ride her myself, but I take great pleasure standing in the stands and watching her run.”
Sogorb was reluctant to look as far as a return to Newmarket for next year’s Thousand Guineas.
“We will take her to the Breeders’ Cup and see if she stays a mile (1600m) out there,” he said. She’s bred for speed so that will be the test.”
Peslier said a mile should be within Vorda’s range.
“I think she’ll stay a mile,” he said. She’s not very big but she’s got a big heart.
“It is great for (Sogorb). He did not ride a Group One winner as a jockey, but now he has this filly.”
