The Flat season gets into gear this weekend with the first of the Guineas trials at Newbury. The Dubai Duty Free Stakes (better known as The Fred Darling) has been the starting point for many classic campaigns over the years and has attracted a good class field on Saturday.
My 1000 Guineas hopes are firmly with Godolphin’s Ihtimal and it is doubtful whether anything in this field will change that view. One filly that could yet emerge as a Guineas candidate is Al Thakira who won her first two starts impressively before floundering in the Breeders’ Cup. That may just have been too much too soon for the daughter of Dubawi and her homework has been encouraging.
Her victory in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes in October certainly entitles her to start favourite here but there may be better value elsewhere. The Charlie Hills duo of Coral Mist and Dutch Romance are of particular interest as they both rewarded support for this column last term.
Coral Mist put up an eye-catching debut when third to Valonia, charging through late at odds of 33-1. The race produced several future winners including runner-up Stars Above Me. Valonia attracted the attention of Qatar Racing and was snapped up before her next start at Ayr.
Having duly landed her maiden, Coral Mist was well backed for the Group 3 Firth Of Clyde Stakes and made rapid late headway to get the verdict in a bunch finish. Eight horses crossed the line within just over a length of each other including Valonia in fourth. It is generally agreed that a lot of horses finishing together are unlikely to all prove useful. Normally I would agree but Coral Mist’s style of racing encourages me to keep faith with her.
She looked to have an impossible task behind a wall of horses with a furlong to run but kept on in determined style for Tom Queally. That was on good to soft ground (as forecast for Newbury) and she now gets an extra furlong. Providing they don’t go too slow, I think she is great each-way value. Dutch Romance also caught the eye on her debut before winning well at Salisbury in heavy ground. She ran a bit too keenly here in Listed company in October and was third to Aqlaam Vision. She could also be worth following this summer.
The impeccably-bred Joyeuse and Lowther Stakes flop J Wonder are others to note in a fascinating contest.
Coral Mist at 6-1 Paddy Power
