Fanshawe’s Seal Of Approval to stamp her authority
THIS is the time of year when you start to see the odd funny result, especially when it comes to fillies.
Today’s Group Two Park Hill Stakes (3.15pm) is likely to feature a hot favourite in Michael Bell’s The Lark, who was third in the Investec Oaks, but I’m eager to take her on.
I’m not sure if the British three-year-old fillies are up to that much this season and this daughter of Pivotal may well have been flattered at Epsom.
Yes, she is miles ahead on ratings against today’s rivals, especially when you consider she is getting 12lb from the older fillies and mares, but it doesn’t always work out like that and she has only won one of her five career starts.
James Fanshawe had the most unbelievable sequence of winners last month and although it was impossible for him to keep that strike-rate up, his string remains in excellent form.
SEAL OF APPROVAL is one of his big hopes for the future and I think she has a strong chance of following up her Listed Chalice Stakes win this afternoon.
After missing her two-year-old season she finished second to the high class Emirates Queen on her debut at this track in June last year. She has since gone on to take her next three races and is clearly improving.
There was plenty of rain at Doncaster yesterday and that will be a big help to her. Fanshawe has kept her away from quick ground so far and she is definitely worth backing at a general 3/1.
The penultimate six furlong handicap looks too close to call, although if pressed I would probably go with Fanshawe’s If So from her high draw.
The closing DFS Handicap (5.00pm) isn’t any easier, but I thought David Wachman’s HOT BED should have won at York last time and compensation could await in the lucky last today.
Kieren Fallon has been jocked up and he will need to use all his skills from a wide draw in stall 13. However, Hot Bed came with a real rattle on the Knavesmire and the additional two furlongs should be a big help to him.
Wachman is in great form at the moment and as long as the ground doesn’t get too soft I think this four-year-old gelding can win his first race on British soil.
■ Pointers…
SEAL OF APPROVAL 3.15pm Doncaster
HOT BED 5.00pm Doncaster