Ziryab looks a cut above at Leicester
THERE could be a classy colt on show at Leicester where Ziryab can make it third time lucky in the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes.
Trained by John and Thady Gosden, the Juddmonte-owned son of Kingman cost 525,000 guineas as a yearling and has shown considerable potential in two outings so far.
He was green on debut when keeping on in eyecatching fashion at Yarmouth and learnt a fair amount on that occasion judged by the progress he showed on his second start at York.
The three-year-old was no match for stablemate Mostabshir on that occasion, but considering he could be bound for a Royal Ascot Group One next time, it is no disgrace that Ziryab had to play second fiddle.
There is unlikely to be a rival of that quality in this line-up and the Clarehaven representative can take full advantage, with Derby-winning rider Ryan Moore in the saddle.
Etihad Rail was up with the pace throughout when a useful third on debut at Newbury and if taking a step forward now can put that experience to good use in the Every Race Live On Racing TV Restricted Maiden Stakes.
The front two in that contest look set for Royal Ascot juvenile contests so there is plenty to like about the quality of the form and Marcus Tregoning is not one to fully wind his horses up on debut, suggesting there could be plenty more lurking in the locker.
Also heading in the right direction is Dark Kestrel who took a massive step forward after being gelded and following wind surgery on his reappearance at Doncaster and could now take the handicap ranks by storm.
Six furlongs looks the ideal distance for the time being and the son of Dark Angel lines up off an opening mark of 80 in the Play With The Finest Bookmaker Fitzdares Handicap at Lingfield.
At Wetherby, Blue Yonder should take the beating as he goes for a hattrick in the Watch Racing TV In Stunning HD Handicap, while Hug A Tree showed definite signs of ability on her first start when a running-on third and must be thereabouts in the British Stallion Studs EBF Restricted Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.
Laura Morgan is often a trainer to follow over the obstacles at Southwell and the Leicestershire-based handler can walk away with another winner courtesy of Worcester scorer Dasher Riley in the starsportsbet.co.uk Handicap Hurdle.