Folio fancied to be First at Windsor
It could be folly to dismiss First Folio in the Weatherbys Bloodstock Pro Stakes at Windsor as James Ferguson’s four-year-old runs in Listed company for the first time.
The Dark Angel gelding has proven to be an ultra-consistent performer in handicap company and at his best when the ground is fast so, with conditions in his favour, this seems a great opportunity to try and make his mark at a higher grade.
Twice a winner last season, he was a respectable fifth at Newmarket from an unfavourable draw on Guineas weekend and is sure to have tightened up significantly for that outing. He is reported to be on course for the Wokingham at Royal Ascot, but it would be no surprise if sights were raised higher if successful on Monday night.
Enshrine was an eyecatching second behind 1000 Guineas sixth Ameynah at Newmarket on debut and the daughter of Ulysses, who is a half-sister to the Group Two-winning Sacred, can build on that opening effort now moving up to a mile in the At The Races App Form Study Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.
A return to Leicester should help Astral Beau as the track-and-trip scorer looks to make a successful switch to the handicap ranks.
Pam Sly’s three-year-old made a mockery of odds of 50-1 when making a winning debut at the Oadby venue, but struggled on the undulations of Catterick when beaten two and a quarter lengths last time. She has been handed an opening mark of 76 and it would be no surprise if she proved better than that figure back in the East Midlands.
Footsy is an interesting newcomer in the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes. William Haggas’ three-year-old is closely related to Group Three winner Haggle and also a half-brother to eight-time scorer Lucky Deal.
At Redcar, John and Thady Gosden’s Elegant Verse can build on a promising showing on debut to get off the mark in the racingtv.com Fillies’ Novice Stakes.
The regally-bred Galileo filly, who is out of a dual Guineas winner, was second behind a more experienced and game rival on debut and that race looks destined to throw up plenty of winners moving forward.*