Ballet Steps can show off winning moves

BALLET STEPS can defy a lofty new mark in the Sky Bet Sunday Series 3YO Sprint Handicap at Hamilton.

Kevin Ryan’s filly won first time out as a juvenile last year and had her sights raised for the Listed Roses Stakes at York.

That proved too much too soon for her and Ryan gave her a decent break before she was seen again at Wolverhampton in December.

Unfortunately she fared no better there, trailing in eighth of 10 over six furlongs.

Dropped down to the minimum trip after another break in excess of 100 days, though, she showed the ability that was evident on her debut, making a mockery of her opening handicap mark of 73, fairly bolting up at Nottingham.

Clearly she is going to find life much tougher off her new perch of 85 in a better class of race, but she has a speedy pedigree and hopefully she can continue to progress.

Ryan’s Sound Reason, who reappears in the Sky Bet Sunday Series Sprint Handicap, is also worthy of interest.

He held his form remarkably well last season, considering he began the year in early May, winning off 69 at Beverley.

Another win followed in August, this time off 75 at Carlisle, and he signed off by finishing second off 81 back at Beverley.

Ryan can certainly ready one to win first time out and with this race being worth #35,000, it would be no surprise if he has had his eye on it for a while.

Tim Easterby’s horses are usually better second time out than first, which makes Golden Melody of interest in the Sky Bet Sunday Series Fillies’ Handicap.

The Belardo filly was an encouraging third at Nottingham on her seasonal return when sent off at 40-1.

She is unlikely to be anything as generous this time around, but off the same mark, she can definitely get competitive.

Unitarian looks a likely type on paper for Karl Burke in the Sky Bet Sunday Series Restricted Maiden Stakes.

The colt is by Tasleet, who has made a fine start with his first crop and it is no secret that Burke’s juveniles are ready to go first time.