Handmaiden to hit mark
HANDMAIDEN has had the misfortune to bump into two above-average juveniles this season and can open her account in the totepool Cashback Club At totesport. com Fillies’ Novice Stakes at Chelmsford.
The Invincible Spirit youngster had the unenviable task of taking on subsequent Group One winner Quorto on her debut, but did best of the rest in second.
She went back to Newmarket nearly a month later and this time was beaten by another in Godolphin blue, Lover’s Knot, who is a possible for the Rockfel later this week.
The third that day, Roger Varian’s Yourtimeisnow, won her next two and is also Rockfel-bound, so the form looks strong.
John Gosden has given her plenty of time to get over those exertions and she can be expected to go one better.
Owen Burrows’ team has sprung into life at this late stage of the season and his Akhlaaq is of interest in the Irish Lotto At Totesport.com Handicap.
A winner first time out in August 2016, he has only been seen on three other occasions, but showed he had plenty of ability on each of those outings.
The long lay-off is not a worry, it has been well over a year, but Burrows has had a couple of winners of late brought back from similar gaps.
The first-time hood can help him conserve his energy.
Indian Pursuit is enjoying a purple patch for John Quinn and can win for the fourth time in five starts in the Double Delight Hat-Trick Heaven At totesport.com Handicap.