John Gosden’s Persuasive on her way back with the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown racecourse a possibility
John Gosden's filly has not been seen since finishing second in the race last year but if the ground comes right she could bid to go one better this year
PERSUASIVE is on the comeback trail and has the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown as her target once again this year.
John Gosden's filly has not been seen since finishing second in the race behind Alice Springs last year, but she is nearing a comeback.
Chris Richardson, managing director for owners Cheveley Park Stud, said: "Persuasive is fine and we've just been taking our time and waiting on the ground for her.
"We haven't really made any plans. I suppose the Matron would be the race to aim for again, but she'd need a run somewhere beforehand."
Another high-class Cheveley Park runner who has not been seen so far this season is the Clive Cox-trained Zonderland.
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Zonderland won a Listed prize and a Group 3 last season and was last seen filling the runner-up spot in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood last August.
"Goodwood is hopefully Zonderland's target. We have the option of running in either the Celebration Mile or the Sussex Stakes," Richardson added.
"He likes top of the ground and ran well at Goodwood last year.
"He unfortunately twisted a joint just before the Lockinge, so we had to back off for him for a while, but he's back again now and we're looking forward to getting him back on track."