An EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes over 6f.
There are a number of attractive, progressive fillies in this field.
In ways this is not the easiest race to assess and more about potential than what may have been seen on debut efforts.
Continuity was a 30,000gns breeze-up buy. She is a lovely-looking filly with size and scope to improve from her debut at Lingfield. Quite well fancied in the betting, five furlongs saw everything happen too quickly and Donohoe didn't go beyond a hands and heels ride when it was clear there was little chance of winning. This daughter of Amadeus Wolf ran on quite well under her own steam and the key for further improvement is this step up to 6f. The form of that initial start is pretty average and much better is needed today. The Beckett juveniles have been in very good form of late and to be such a short price in the betting must be a reflection of a big run. At such odds I would much rather watch and learn a little more. But it would be no surprise to see this attractive bay go close.
Another filly who caught the eye, physically, was Baltic Flyer, trained by Robert Eddery. She was relatively fancied on debut and slightly hampered which didn't help. At the finishing line, this daughter of Baltic King was a few lengths adrift of the winner. This stable seem to be on the ball as far as gambles are concerned and if the money appears it would be a positive. On that debut effort more is needed and although of interest not the easiest to assess and a watching brief.
Mick Channon's two-year-olds are always worthy of note on their second start. Musically drops back from 7f which may cause a problem or two. Whether this home bred will be able to hold a position on this turning track is a matter for debate. There is a chance she will be outpaced. The stable have fair win and place claims with their fancied juveniles on their second start when priced 13/2 & less.
White Spirit & Fire And Sparks are closely matched on their Kempton running and this pair may have claims. It wouldn't be a surprise to find that Kempton race in which they finished 4th & 5th respectively was a strong contest. The winner looks a smart juvenile and the second has been entered to run in a Listed race. The sixth, Superinjunction, ran well on debut at Newmarket, which looks to be working out well.
Fire And Sparks is the only ride for Jamie Spencer on the card and the Simcock juveniles have been running well of late. At fair odds, this filly have respectable place claims.
A similar comment can be made for White Spirit. Marco Botti's youngster was quite well fancied on debut when running no race but showed promise at Kempton. This filly doesn't have the size and scope of some of these but looks a speedy type. The wide draw isn't ideal and for that reason Fire And Sparks is marginally preferred. Both of these juveniles could go well in what looks a tricky race.
Conclusion: A tricky race which is based on potential rather than proven ability. Continuity didn't achieve a great deal on debut but has been backed as though a big run is expected. She is a good-looking sort and will appreciate this 6f. With the stable in fine form she looks to hold strong claims although there isn't much meat on the bone at those odds. Fire And Sparks & White Spirit could have each way claims. Their Kempton performances may look no more than average but time may tell that was a decent race.
HCE: ''Fire And Sparks & White Spirit showed good pace and the others found it difficult to catch them. The former ran to line to win with a touch in hand. White Spirit was a little keen and lost two places in the final furlong with Correct and Baltic Flyer taking the minor places.''
