'An improving 3yo with plenty of scope' - Botagoz caps big week for Mehmas

Botagoz continued a great run for Mehmas on Friday when landing a breakthrough success in the Group 3 Hoppings Stakes at Newcastle.

Her win came hot on the heels of Estepona's success in Wednesday's Listed Prix Hampton at Chantilly.

Trained by Roger Varian for Nurlan Bizakov, the progressive Botagoz was the only 3yo in a competitive renewal of the Hoppings Stakes. Held up in the early stages, she dived through a gap under Ray Dawson and bravely ran down Diamond Rain for a cosy score.

“Myself and Roger have been very impressed with this filly since her run at Ascot, physically she’s grown, mentally she’s come on and her work has been very good,” Ray Dawson said.

“It’s great, I think she’s had plenty left over the line there and she’s a filly on the up anyway. She looked to be crying out for this trip and the stiff nature of the track really has suited – that stiff finish really, really helped us.

“She’s shown the signs that she can step up in trip, but she’s very, very straightforward, she’s a filly who loves her racing and she’s improving with every run.

“I’m delighted for (owner, Nurlan) Mr Bizakov as well. He’s always had a nice horse in Roger’s yard and this filly seems to be another one that he’s got, so it’s great for him.

“They’ve got options now, she’s an improving three-year-old with plenty of scope.”

The 51st stakes winner for Mehmas, Botagoz was bred by Yulong Investments out of Bocca Baciata, a Group 2-winning daughter of Big Bad Bob. She was a €260,000 yearling purchase by Bizakov's Sumbe at the Goffs Orby Sale.