The second race of ten on the card for Saturday, September 5, 2026, is named in honour of past Gold Cup winner, Orient Express.
The Orient Express Trophy is for native-bred three-year-old fillies only, competing at the non-winners of two level over the five-furlong straight chute.
Six fillies are entered to line up, with The Quick Galloper’s analysis of the field presented below in draw order.
1 – FOLLOWING WAVE
Chestnut filly (April 1) by Bern Identity out of Saint Cecelia
Trainer – Spencer Chung
Jockey – Tevin Foster
Made a late start to her racing career but wasted no time making an impression, winning at the second time of asking. This marks Following Wave’s first entry at the non-winners of two level. While her raw potential is unquestioned, stepping up to face proven rivals at a higher class always presents a stiff challenge. This race will serve as a true litmus test of her underlying quality.
2 – AWESOME KITTY
Chestnut filly (May 18) by Patton Proud out of Playful Kitty
Trainer – Winchester McIntosh
Jockey – Raddesh Roman
Equipment Change – Visor on
Has already tackled this level on three prior occasions without showing much promise or relevance. She appears to need more time to mature and find her form before making a competitive impact.
3 – IMAGINEARIUM
Bay filly (May 27) by Savoy Stomp out of Love The Beach
Trainer – Anthony Nunes
Jockey – Paul Francis
Finally shed her maiden tag on her ninth attempt before stepping up to non-winners of two, where she finished a distant fourth, 12 lengths behind Victorious Links. She still has considerable ground to make up to be competitive here.
4 – PIPPA
Bay filly (February 28) by Fearless Vision out of Anabama
Trainer – Richard Azan
Jockey – Tajay Suckoo
Found the going tough against top-tier three-year-olds in the Classic races and fared no better in her two subsequent starts at the non-winners of two level. Pippa will likely have to wait for an easier spot to make her presence felt.
5 – DELTA GAMMA
Bay filly (March 7) by Savoy Stomp out of Rogamma
Trainer – Richard Azan
Jockey – Tyrese Anderson
Has yet to demonstrate the necessary progress on the track and looks unready to challenge rivals of this calibre just yet.
6 – GIVING THANKS
Bay filly (January 18) by Bern Identity out of Lightning Lily
Trainer – Philip Feanny
Jockey – Bebeto Harvey
Has done herself proud across six career starts, missing out on a top-four board finish just once. Bringing consistent, high-level form into her non-winners of two debut, Giving Thanks looks primed to play a major role in the outcome.
