Etoile could take Leger route
Mont Etoile faces a step up in trip for her next start with connections of the Irish Oaks fourth planning a tilt at the Park Hill Stakes or the Ladbrokes St Leger at York in September.
The daughter of Montjeu has been a revelation upped to a mile and a half this term, winning two of her four races including the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot.
Scottish Stage finished second that day and turned the form around when occupying the same place behind Alexandrova at the Curragh, but connections were not disheartened by the performance.
“She ran a good race and we can’t be disappointed, although it would have been nice to have come third rather than fourth,” said trainer William Haggas’ wife Maureen.
“She was only beaten a head by the Epsom runner-up Rising Cross and we were pleased with her. I don’t think her owners would have believed we would have been running in Classics if we had suggested it last Christmas.
“She has really improved this term, partly due to the step up in trip, but more importantly she is enjoying her racing.”
A further step up in trip is now on the cards with the Leger and fillies’ only Park Hill being run over a mile and six furlongs mooted as her next possible targets.
“She will only have the one more race this year and we are thinking about the Park Hill or the St Leger,” added Mrs Haggas.
“It is worth trying her over a longer trip and she will be back next year as a four-year-old.”
