Extra furlong ideal for Miss Mirabeau in Maiden Stakes

YOU can ‘Miss’ out on ‘Mirabeau’ at your peril today; veteran Newmarket trained Sir Mark Prescott has identified an excellent opportunity in an ‘aged’ Maiden Stakes over six furlongs of Lingfield polytrack, which suits natural speed. A fortnight ago, once-raced

Miss Mirabeau showed plenty of toe when finishing strongly into fourth, beaten three lengths by our nap, Mercers, over five furlongs of this Surrey venue.

In the early stages the Oasis Dream filly was distinctly green but the penny suddenly dropped down the short straight; an extra furlong should be ideal.

Given Miss Mirabeau went off at 11/1 we assume she wasn’t fancied but it will be a different situation when she lines up against eight rivals, most of which are moderate.

Daring Guest is an obvious time-handicap danger but George Margarson’s charge hasn’t raced for many moons and will be ridden by inexperienced, though talented, Jane Elliott.

When watching the likes of Jane, Jordan Uys and Charlie Bennett I’m struck with the professionalism they display; riding schools at Newmarket and Doncaster are providing excellent preparation.

Ex-jockey, Michael Hills, is doing sterling work at HQ and has been mainly responsible for the attitude and approach to this tough game of champion apprentice Josephine Gordon!

Josephine is now stable jockey for Hugo Palmer whose main work rider is Hills!

Sutter County and Second Thought renew rivalry in the listed, £45,000, Spring Cup over seven furlongs; William Haggas’ charge, ridden by Robert Winston, beat Sutter County a neck over six furlongs of Kempton ‘poly’ 46 days ago on the same weight terms; which will be better suited by this trip?

BHA ratings suggest they are similar, my gut feeling is that Mark Johnston and Joe Fanning will prevail because Sutter County raced with tremendous gusto when converting a ‘penalty-kick’ last month over the minimum trip.

An intriguing race which they should dominate.

SELECTIONS

3.10 Miss Mirabeau (nap), 4.20 Sutter County; Newcastle: 6.45 Socialites Red (e.w.).