Craylands to end run of frustration

RACING: Bell steps up to mile after second place finishes in first two outings

Michael Bell’s CRAYLANDS sets a very high standard in the EBF Join 8,000 ROA Members Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at Nottingham.

The Golden Horn youngster has finished second on both her outings to date, but it would be harsh to question her attitude in any manner.

She made her debut over seven furlongs at Newmarket in July and found only Charlie Appleby’s Light Blush too good, with the winner going on to finish second in a Listed race.

Sent off favourite next time out at Goodwood, Craylands was making ground on the eventual winner, Vividly, with every stride, but the line came just too soon and she went down by a short head.

Bell steps Craylands up to a mile this time and given her half-brother, Land Of Oz, recently won the Cesarewitch Trial, the distance should not be an issue, although she will have to settle better than she has done to date.

Nevertheless, unless one of the newcomers is way above average, she will surely take some stopping.

Tim Easterby is ending the season in fine form and his AFANDEM can defy a penalty for winning at Musselburgh on Sunday in the Make The Most Of Racehorse Ownership With ROA Handicap.

He cruised home by four lengths, relishing the cut in the ground, so any more rain at Colwick Park is no worry.

SELECTIONS HUNTINGDON: 1.35 Prefontaine, 2.05 Land League, 2.35 Get Back Get Back, 3.10 Joey Steel, 3.40 Infiniti, 4.10 Barley Hill, 4.40 Jen’s Boy, 5.15 Loves First.

NEWCASTLE: 5.55 Cotton Club, 6.25 Tadaawol, 6.55 Tsar, 7.25 Perfect Number, 7.55 Sophia Maria, 8.25 Carlovian.

NOTTINGHAM: 1.55 Spirit Of The Sky, 2.25 CRAYLANDS (NAP), 2.55 What A Business, 3.25 Afandem, 3.55 Bollin Joan, 4.25 Smarter, 4.55 Mr Greenlight.

DOUBLE: Craylands and Afandem.