15:15 York

Friday 13 July 2018

All14:0514:4015:1515:5016:2517:0017:30

William Hill Summer Stakes (Fillies' Group 3)

Off time: 15:15 | Winning time: 1m 12.44s

(5)

Dancing Star²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 95| D

10/1

Four wins in 2016 included the Stewards' Cup, but lightly raced since, and not quite the force of old, for all she was runner-up in a listed contest at Salisbury last time. Others more convincing.

Form: 020-302

(3)

Magical Dreamer¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: George Wood| T: J R Fanshawe| OR: 90| D

16/1

Largely progressive in handicaps at this trip, winning her last two races at Newmarket and Goodwood. Should continue to pay her way, but this does represent a marked rise in class.

Form: 222-211

(9)

Marie Of Lyon²³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: D Tudhope| T: R A Fahey| OR: 95| CD

16/1

Won a pair of turf handicaps over 6f on easy ground last year, and has coped well enough with elevation to listed company this year, albeit showing her limitations. Seems held by Classical Times on Cecil Frail running.

Form: 102-453

(11)

Pepita⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: P Makin| T: R Hannon| OR: 99| D

25/1

Won 7f handicap at Wetherby in May and further progress when landing listed event over same trip at Musselburgh last time. Claims on form, but stays 1m, and drop to sprinting uncertain to suit.

Form: 52-2151

(10)

Raven's Lady⁴⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: G Mosse| T: M Botti| OR: 96| D

16/1

Won a 6f handicap at Kempton on her return, and back to that form when second to Classical Times in the Cecil Frail Stakes at Haydock last time. Needs more to reverse that form, but she isn't one to dismiss out of hand.

Form: 34-2152

(1)

Could It Be Love^b,t⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 112| BF

13/8

Has posted some solid efforts this season, notably when second in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, and runner-up in Brownstown Stakes at Fairyhouse on Sunday. Has found 7f stretching her on both occasions, and drop to sprinting could unlock more.

Form: 4-18232

(7)

Maggies Angel⁴¹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: P Hanagan| T: R A Fahey| OR: 98

16/1

Winner on her debut last year when campaigned at 5f/6f, but seemed to improve for longer trip when second to Pepita at Musselburgh on her return. Lacks scope, though, and return to 6f not certain to help here.

Form: 14223-2

(2)

Pretty Baby⁶²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: Dane O'Neill| T: W J Haggas| OR: 102| D

7/4

Made a winning reappearance at Redcar in May, and stepped up when too strong for Classical Times in a listed race at Nottingham. Runner-up has franked that form since, and she must be high on the shortlist.

Form: 21-11

(6)

Worship²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: Oisin Murphy| T: D M Simcock| OR: 95| BF| D

16/1

Excelled herself when eighth to Billesdon Brook in the 1000 Guineas, and not disgraced behind Classical Times at Haydock next time, but beaten in a novice since, and looks outmatched on balance.

Form: 1-882

Non-Runners

(12)

Classical Times¹³

Weight: 9-4| Age: 4

T: P W Chapple-Hyam J: Non Runner

(4)

Sandra's Secret²⁰

Weight: 9-4| Age: 5

T: J L Eyre J: D Allan

(8)

Main Desire²¹

Weight: 8-12| Age: 3

T: M L W Bell J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Could It Be Love (13/8), Pretty Baby (7/4), Main Desire (7/1), Classical Times (15/2), Dancing Star (10/1), Sandra's Secret (12/1), Raven's Lady (16/1), Worship (16/1), Marie Of Lyon (16/1), Magical Dreamer (16/1), Maggies Angel (16/1), Pepita (25/1)

COULD IT BE LOVE is a marginal pick on form, but she's given the distinct impression of late that a drop to this trip would produce even better performances, and she will have no excuses here. Pretty Baby beat Classical Times at Nottingham, and that form has been well advertised since, making her look the biggest threat. Main Desire can be forgiven a flop at Royal Ascot, and bears consideration, along with the progressive Sandra's Secret.