Sunday 17 May 2009

6:10 Windsor (18th May)

Bar three or four runners this looks a weakish fillies' maiden over 5f.

Lutine Lady was all the rage on debut for a stakes race at Salisbury, backed to favourite and then disappointing after bumping another runner and pulling fiercely thereafter. This is an attractive filly and she is clearly well thought of in the Winkworth stable who have a number of talented two-year-olds. I can imagine she will be backed again if opening at a decent price and she could be a talent if she learns to settle. I noticed in the five-day declarations that Jim Crowley was originally booked to ride (as you would expect) but he has a few mounts at Bath then returns to Windsor later. This could be a slight negative although it is more likely he simply cannot make the ride.

The Hannon pair are interesting as originally Hughes was booked to ride Yer Woman but now partners White Daffodil. It is something of a quandary, but you have to consider that he had the choice and for that reason I have detailed this point. Both fillies ran encouraging races on debut and open to improvement.

Riffelalp ran on quite well in the final furlong in a fair race at Goodwood but this filly looked very small and lightly built. It doesn't mean to say that she cannot run, however, I think it is a negative.

A watching race.

Race review: 'Not the strongest of races and Yer Woman didn't look to have much chance, outpaced, until she powered to the line and won. White Daffodil ran her race and has an element of ability but not that inspiring. Miss Lesley may be the one to take out of this after getting a slow start. Lutine Lady looks the part, and was well backed again, but done nothing. She pulled, which may not have helped, but she has a huge question mark after this and even at a speculative price it would be a brave person to bet. I will watch her with interest as stranger things have happened although two disasters often leads to a third.'