Alexandrova has proved herself an exceptional filly and the English and Irish Oaks winner can emphasise the point by completing a rare triple crown of her own in today's Darley Yorkshire Oaks.
Only the very cream of the crop tend to land all three of the mile-and-a-half Group One Oaks prizes and they include the likes of User Friendly (1992) and Dimenuendo (1988.) The last filly to bring up the treble was the Kieren Fallon-ridden Ramruma seven years ago.
Fallon was on board Alexandrova for both her wide-margin victories at Epsom and the Curragh but his UK ban rules him out today from maintaining a partnership with a filly he rates as good as he has ridden.
Michael Kinane takes over and, even allowing for the fact Alexandrova was beaten by Short Skirt on her last visit to York in May for the Musidora, the Aidan O'Brien-trained star is sure to be favourite.
That Musidora defeat had more to do with rustiness after a winter break, and a bad stumble after the start, rather than any problem with soft ground and Alexandrova has looked a very different proposition in both her top-level starts since.
The actual bare form of beating Rising Cross by six lengths at Epsom, and putting four lengths between herself and Scottish Stage at the Curragh, might not read exceptionally well but the style of both victories was spectacular.
On fast ground last month, Alexandrova quickened really well after being set a lot to do but her action suggests to O'Brien that softer going should not be a problem.
"She has quite a round action," the champion trainer said. "She has had a little rest after the Curragh and everything has gone according to plan since then."
This will be Alexandrova's first encounter with older horses and they include Peter Casey's Sina Cova, a Group Three winner in the Noblesse Stakes at Cork, as well as the French hope Shamdala, who won the Group One Gran Premio di Milano earlier in the year.
However, it will be a major shock if the O'Brien favourite doesn't complete her Group One fillies triple crown and secure just a fifth Irish success in the race.
O'Brien and Kinane will also team up in the six-furlong Convivial Maiden Stakes for Brave Tin Soldier, who put in an encouraging debut at Goodwood behind Chataway.
