An EBF maiden fillies' race over 6f.
An intriguing contest with a number of form horses opposing with varying price tags.
Mama Lulu is trying to make it third time lucky after finishing second on her last two starts. A beaten favourite twice doesn't make her a punters' friend and connections must be disappointed not to have taken the $575,000, but not sold, at the sales. This daughter of Kingmambo is an attractive filly but she does seem to have her quirks. It might just be the case this Bell runner, with Turner in the saddle, will win but there will be plenty wondering whether she will be another beaten favourite. The form of both starts is difficult to assess as the race at Doncaster, if anything, has not been boosted by a couple of runners down the field and the Pontefract race, bar the winner, looked moderate at best. Perhaps a second to Zabeel Park was a good performance? At worst Mama Lulu has an element of ability with the possibility of more to come. There will be no excuses for today's running as there are proven form horses in the field. This filly hung quite markedly at Pontefract when pressed and may be one to watch today.
Pam Sly has been unlucky not to have found a winner in Whisper Louise by now after a number of consistent efforts, only to be denied by one or two capable juveniles. A rather small filly - but a determined soul - she ran well at Ripon over 5f when narrowly beaten in a large field. It is questionable whether this bay filly is better over 6f or not. She ran well at Pontefract, however, they went no pace early - and pulled fiercely - and then out classed by the talented Sonning Rose. Whisper Louise has enough ability to win a race although in theory this could be a step up in class, being a maiden rather than auction event. It is worth noting that Detorri wasn't originally booked to ride this filly and was meant to partner a debutante for Jeremy Noseda (Fenton was in the saddle but decided or retained to ride one horse for Tom Tate at Beverley). The fact that Detorri takes the ride may significantly shorten the price which isn't ideal. A capable two-year-old, and one that has place claims with a fighting chance of a win.
On form, Golden Tempest is held by Whisper Louise, through Welsh Inlet, but may improve for that initial run. This daughter of Clodovil was slow away at Windsor over 5f and had many lengths to make up but stuck to her guns and battled for a 3rd. Over this 6f and being wiser for the debut a better performance can be expected today. On balance, Swinburn's two-year-old may struggle to beat Whisper Louise but there could be more to come and it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to sneak into the frame.
Brian Meehan has started to turn out a few winners and Mortitia was well backed last time in a competitive heat at Newbury. This daughter of Dansili was a distant fourth and that was a regressive effort compared to her previous performance. It doesn't make encouraging reading to see that Dwyer has chosen to ride Miss Sinatra, who is given preference today.
Of the rest, Tweenie was originally an intended ride for Patrick Hills, which may be a negative. Cheers was hampered last time so difficult to assess, however, a much-improved effort is needed to show a sign of ability.
An outsider with a chance could be Out Of The Storm trained by Simon Dow. The Kempton race which she finished 3rd didn't look very competitive but the way this filly by Elmhurst Boy ran on at the line deserves some respect - as she fairly flew home in the last furlong. It is difficult to assess the merit of that performance although it is a possibility Dow's youngster has ability and will have learned from that experience. Queally has a good strike rate for the yard (although Sanders was originally booked but goes elsewhere).
Of the debutantes, Days Of Summer is worth a mention as Beckett does well with his two-year-olds and features a decent place rate. Owners, Clipper Logistics, have a number of talented horses in training and this 76,000euro buy shouldn't be ignored, especially if backed.
Tip:
Bet: 2:30 Ayr - Loukoumi 1PTEW (4/1) 4th
Comment:'Bar the favourite, a weak looking race on paper and a good opportunity for Smart's two-year-old to progress from debut. The wide draw may not have helped and once the favourite had cruised clear it was a battle for the places - unfortunately 4th place. A statistical bet which rarely fails to get a place at least so disappointing to fail on that front.'
Other races:
2:30 Ayr
2:45 Yarmouth
6:30 Beverley
