Varian Seeks Pinnacle Stakes Treble with Ambivalent

The Pinnacle Stakes is a Group 3 race restricted to fillies and mares over a mile and three furlongs. The race has been won by some good mares including Albanova for Sir Mark Prescott in 2003 and Godolphin’s Folk Opera in 2008.

Trainer Roger Varian has saddled the last two winners of the event with Ferdoos and Shimmering Surf and has his sights on a possible treble with the useful four-year-old Ambivalent. She put up a good performance on her seasonal debut when chasing home the Aga Khan’s Dalkala at York.

Ambivalent was only beaten a length and had some useful fillies behind her including Starscope and Ladys First. She should also appreciate stepping back up in trip although she can be a bit keen early in her races.

Godolphin’s Prussian will be a big threat if able to reproduce her fine second to Sajjhaa in a Group 2 at Meydan last time out. She won a handicap over a similar distance here last season when in the care of Mark Johnston and looks to have improved from three to four.

Nymphea represents Germany after finishing second in the German Oaks last season. She has shown herself to be in good form by winning a Listed race at Baden Baden last month. Hughie Morrison saddles Quiz Mistress, just touched off by Universal at Newbury in the Group 3 before running moderately in the Yorkshire Cup.

Jehannedarc was highly tried when trained by Alain De Royer Dupre in France last season and this will be only her third start for Ed Dunlop. She ran a fair race at Goodwood before disappointing at Newbury but cannot be ruled out.

She had Souviens Toi just half a length behind her at Goodwood and it should be close between the pair. Moment In Time and Saint Hilary complete the line up and both have a bit to find on official ratings.