Atlanna did enough first-up to justify support in a twelve-runner Fillies’ Novice Stakes over a mile of Lingfield polytrack this afternoon when all-weather racing aficionados will be catered for with two meetings from five fixtures on what promises to be a dramatic ‘Super-Saturday!’
Weight will be a serious issue, recent Hayley Turner-ridden course and distance winner Party On Girl is penalised 7lbs and over this distance such an impost relates to at least four lengths, not to be underestimated. If you get an opportunity pick up this poundage and think!
On the time-handicap Atlanna comes out better and should improve which would make it difficult for Party On Girl even though George Boughey’s charge won a shade cleverly seven days ago under ‘Daily Earner’ who is a joy to watch, so stylish and classy; riding better than ever.
David Probert takes from Callum Shepherd who gave unconsidered 20/1 shot Atlanna a smashing introduction when the Sea The Moon filly finished third (of 10!) to heavily-backed principals Al Qareem and Queen Aminatu over seven furlongs of the stiff Newcastle tapeta course last month.
None of six handicaps make the slightest appeal and so focus is switched to Chelmsford where consistent, hitherto luckless Deacs Delight looks gilt-edged for one of three places at good odds in a twelve-runner Median Auction Maiden Auction Stakes over seven furlongs.
Paul Cole’s charge (0 from 8!), is a sure-fire future winner; consistency invariably brings due reward and in five of six outings extremely promising apprentice Mohammed Tabti has been aboard.
Handicap experience makes such a difference and Deacs Delight can bring it to the table by proving too strong for progressive twice-raced Volos; incidentally Tabti claims a full allowance of 7lbs!
Shanko, course winner over six furlongs on debut last month, is an interesting ‘dec’ for the following Novice Stakes over the minimum trip and despite a penalty comes out clear ‘best-in’ to beat five rivals which contain a couple of promising types worth monitoring.
I’ve been looking forward to seeing Shanko again, this Stuart Williams-trained Oasis Dream gelding could well progress to listed/group class and I’ll certainly resist opposing Richard Kingscote’s mount.
Selections, Lingfield, 12.45 Atlanna (e.w); Chelmsford, 4.45 Deac’s Delight (e.w); 5.15 Shanko.
Jeffrey Ross, horse-racing correspondent for WMN since 1983 when winning the most prestigious racing journalist award, Sporting Life Naps Table, before winning it a record number of six times collectively in the Racing Post, the current ‘trade’ paper, including 2019