Precise rallied from last to win the Fillies' Mile (G1) Oct. 10 at Newmarket Racecourse, giving trainer Aidan O'Brien his 22nd group 1 victory of the season as he closes in on his own record of 28.
O'Brien fielded four runners in the race, but it was the 5-4 favorite who came out on top under Christophe Soumillon. The success completed a four-timer for Precise, the last two victories coming at the top level.
Before the race, she was listed as the future book second-favorite for the 2026 One Thousand Guineas (G1) behind stablemate Diamond Necklace, but she has now moved into clear favoritism, priced at 7-2 with race sponsor Betfred.
It was an eye-catching performance from Precise, who traveled at the rear of the field that split into two groups led by her stablemate, the Justify filly Moments Of Joy, and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum's Venetian Lace, respectively.
Soumillon asked his mount to quicken two furlongs out, and she surged down the stands' side rail, joining Venetian Lace at the front before drawing clear from the furlong pole to the line.
The Charlie Johnston-trained Venetian Lace ran a superb race to finish second at 40-1, ahead of the Karl Burke-trained Evolutionist at 18-1 in third.
The winning jockey said, "I was quite impressed last time at the Curragh when she passed us in three strides. She looks like she can still improve a lot. She missed the jump a little bit, so I took the option to come behind Wayne (Lordan, on Composing).
"I thought the ideal thing would be to be on the stands' side. I think I came a bit early, but when I asked her to go, she just passed them like a train.
"Her and Diamond Necklace are two different fillies; she's much more mature now, but it's Diamond Necklace for me. It's the best job in the world when you can go racing comfortably, there is no stress, and you are riding with the best team."
O'Brien added, "I think she's a classic filly. Christophe was super confident on her; she cantered at all stages in the race. I'd say there's a lot more to come from her, both physically and mentally. She's just very exciting.
"They'll both (Precise and Diamond Necklace) be trained for the Guineas, whether it'll be France, Britain, or Ireland, the lads will decide then, seeing how they are. I don't think we will see either of them again this year. When you get a special one, you have to look after them."
