Ellthea has chance to shine

Ellthea can put an unfortunate experience behind her by winning the Longines Irish Champion Weekend EBF Stallions Star Stakes at Sandown.

Karl Burke’s filly was due to run in a Listed race at Newmarket a few weeks ago but she tried to escape under the stalls and had to be withdrawn. That will have been no fun for her, but it might turn out for the best as it would have taken a remarkable performance to beat Richard Fahey’s hugely impressive winner Dance Diva, who steps up in class this weekend at Ascot. Ellthea looked promising herself, though, when winning at Carlisle last time out.