'Rhythm' ready for Nassau

Russian Rhythm may or may not attempt the step up from a mile to 1 1/4 miles in Saturday's Group 1 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.

Winner of the 1000 Guineas and the Coronation Stakes, both Group 1 miles, Russian Rhythm may not run in the Nassau unless the ground firms up a bit. Trainer Michael Stoute will not make a decision as to whether she will make her first start against older fillies and mares until the morning of the race.

Stoute has no doubt that Russian Rhythm, a 3-year-old Kingmambo filly whose dam is a half-sister to Irish Oaks winner Alydaress, will stay 10 furlongs, but he is afraid that soft ground would be too testing for a filly whose four group-race victories have all been on good to firm ground. If she runs, challenges will come from the fast-improving Group 2 Falmouth Stakes winner, Macadamia, who is also stepping up from a mile; French invader Ana Marie, winner of the 1 1/4-mile Group 2 Prix d'Harcourt against colts in March; and Place Rouge, winner of the 1 1/2-mile Group 3 Lancashire Oaks in her season debut on July 5.