'The world could be her oyster' - Group 1 targets beckon for impressive Starman filly Esna

Already proven as a source of speed, Starman looks set to be represented in either the Epsom or French Oaks by Esna, who became the latest member of his first crop to secure a stakes win when successful in Saturday's Listed Childwickbury Stud Fillies' Trial Stakes at Newbury.

The Brian Meehan-trained filly, who carries the colours of Martin Hughes and partner, showed a game attitude under Ryan Moore to fight back once headed and win this recognised Oaks trial by half-a-length.

Esna was a winner against colts in novice company at Sandown last season prior to running a fine fourth in the Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp. She returned this year with a fourth in the Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket.

“She could go to France for the Prix de Diane," said Brian Meehan. "I hadn’t overly planned for two runs in the spring for her, she caught me by surprise a little bit at Newmarket, I was expecting a little bit more there and she had been away for a racecourse gallop and was really well.

“I looked around earlier this week and thought she’s really looking well so she’s clearly just took that little bit longer to come to herself. 

“The Diane is there and it’s a speed track and she travelled well today. It could be a possibility. There is also the Hampton Court as well to consider, so there are lots of ways we could go. The discussion first will be the Prix de Diane and I’ll speak to the owners and see what they want to do.

“She could be a horse for the Breeders’ Cup at the end of the year and she’s a filly with lots of scope and the world could be her oyster.”

Esna was bred by Canice Farrell out of the Galileo mare Dubai, also the dam of Listed winner Alakhana.

She becomes the seventh stakes winner for Starman, also represented in recent weeks by David Ward's homebred Listed scorer Soul Love.