IVORY: COME ON EIRENE
DEAN IVORY is hoping Eirene can take the step up to Group company in her stride when she tackles the Bathwick Tyres Dick Poole Stakes at Salisbury (3.50).
She got off the mark at the second time of asking in a novice contest at Doncaster before running into subsequent Gimcrack scorer Sands Of Mali on her next start.
Eirene then took a Listed race at Newbury with some authority, and Ivory is hopeful of another bold showing from his filly. He said: “The form of her run behind Sands Of Mali looks good as he’s since gone and won the Gimcrack.
“She won her Listed race well and if I didn’t think she was up to this class, I wouldn’t be running her.”
Robert Winston has ridden Eirene in all her races to date, but is suspended so Ivory has called on Adam Kirby.
“Although Adam hasn’t ridden her yet, he’s available and he’ s a good jockey,” said Ivory. “We’re hoping for a big run, but we will need some luck in running.”
Andrew Balding saddles Crossing The Line, who showed a determined attitude when winning on her debut at Newmarket.
The horse she beat that day, Gabr, has since run second to Dream Today at York in what looked an above-average maiden.
Balding said: “She has always gone nicely at home and it is fair to say we really like her.”