Margot Did is one of nine declarations for the £30,000 Pavillon Stakes, over six furlongs at Ascot today, unopposable for this listed race but it's disappointing Michael Bell and owners decided against running in the 1000 Guineas next Sunday.Hayley Turner rode 'Margot' in all seven races last season, they were successful in the first two and went on to be placed in prestigious group races at Ascot and York. Definitely a classic prospect but Bell, obviously, believes this consistent Irish-bred filly by Exceed And Excel is better suited to sprinting. Why did yours truly back her for the '1000?'
On a point of class and time-handicapping, Margot Did represents a good bet, especially with Bell's yard in fine form and confidence restored for Hayley, who rode a double at Yarmouth on Easter Monday.'Daily Earner' was deposed as 'Lady Jockey Of The Year' at The Lester's' last weekend but in my book, reins supreme.Mind you, Cathy Gannon was a deserving recipient because Hayley faltered last yea. Thankfully, she has grasped the nettle since enduring stupid, unnecessary publicity and has, at least, a hundred winners as her goal this year. We'll back plenty of them, rest assured.
Earlier Magic City will carry my wedge, if odds against in the opening Conditions Stakes over five furlongs. It is the best juvenile we've seen to date this season, judged on its scintillating six lengths success at Newbury twelve days ago, when Richard Hannon's charge made all, recording a colossal TH mark. Hope this isn't too soon!We'll have to pay to find out in an interesting five-runner race, which contains four previous winners.Malacca Straits has Highest to beat, and vica versa, in the Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs at Newcastle tonight. Either high-profile trainer, Barry Hills/John Gosden, could have avoided this clash with a phone call!Thankfully, neither made one and we're left with a fascinating duel involving two well-bred fillies, that need to win for breeding purposes.
On my time-handicap Malacca Straits is marginally best-in but Highest could well be advantaged, fitness-wise, having been recently a close second to Dancing Rain over ten furlongs at Newbury.It's a real teaser and my bias towards the former is based on Hills' tremendous form and the fact that Robert Winston is back on this Cacique filly.Malacca Straits and Robert were unlucky at Kempton last season (would have won but for being badly hampered!). Price-wise the Khalid Abdulla-owned filly will be better and with two places on offer I'll play an each-way double!
SELECTIONS
RACE 2 (#1) MAGIC CITY
RACE 17 (#7) MARGOT DID
RACE 33 (#4) AFKAR (e.w.)
RACE 35 (#5) MALACCA STRAITS