16:35 Ascot

Wednesday 1 May 2024

All13:1013:4014:1514:5015:2516:0016:3517:10

Darley British EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes (GBB Race) (Rnd)

Off time: 16:35 | Winning time: 1m 45.69s

(2)

Aquacell^h²⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-8| J: Sorin Moldoveanu| T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

25/1

Churchill filly who looked a good prospect as she overcame inexperience to cosily make a winning debut in 5-runner maiden at Chelmsford (7f) just under 3 weeks ago, missing break but staying on to lead final 100 yds. Will improve but carries a penalty and faces some well-bred newcomers here.

Form: 1

(8)

Chorus¹⁶²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas

7/2

Plenty of promise on both starts last year, again doing some good late work when finishing runner-up (conceded first run) at Wolverhampton (8.6f) back in November. Represents a top yard and remains one to be positive about, especially once she steps up further in trip.

Form: 52-

(6)

Climate Action¹⁸⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: H Crouch| T: M L W Bell

14/1

Cracksman filly who finished runner-up on both starts in similar events last year (including over C&D on debut). Returns from 6 months off and she's a likely improver back on turf.

Form: 22-

(4)

Madame De Sevigne¹⁷⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Oisin Murphy| T: R Eddery| OR: 74

22/1

Progressed with each run last year, staying on well when finishing runner-up to an odds-on shot at Chelmsford (7f) back in November. Probably more one for handicaps further down the line, however.

Form: 672-

(3)

Diamond Rain

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby

7/2

Shamardal filly. Half-sister to 3 winners, including 1¼m-1½m winner Jalmoud and winner up to 9f Magic Lily, both smart and by New Approach. Dam 1¼m-1½m (Oaks) winner (also won Preis der Diana). Of obvious interest on debut.

Form:

(7)

Echo Lima

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Rossa Ryan| T: R M Beckett

6/1

Kingman filly. Sister to smart 1m winner Tsar and 11.5f winner Alpha King and half-sister to several winners, including smart winner up to 9f Juliet Foxtrot. Dam winner up to 1m (including at 2 yrs). Makes plenty of paper appeal.

Form:

(1)

Fayqa

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: Jim Crowley| T: K P De Foy

11/1

Dubawi filly. Sister to useful 2-y-o 1m winner Wuqood and half-sister to 3 winners, including winner up to 1½m Rakan and 1m/9f winner Giladah, both useful. Dam, winner up to 1¼m who stayed 1½m, half-sister to high-class 12.4f-2¼m winner (stayed 2½m) Saddler's Rock.

Form:

(5)

Shaha

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: K Shoemark| T: J & T Gosden

2/1

280,000 gns yearling, Cracksman filly. Half-sister to several winners, including smart winner up to 15f Big Blue and useful 2-y-o 1m winner Denmark. Dam, 1¼m/11f winner (runner-up in Prix de l'Opera), half-sister to Prix de Diane winner Bright Sky. Stacks to like.

Form:

Forecasts

Shaha (2/1), Diamond Rain (7/2), Chorus (7/2), Echo Lima (6/1), Fayqa (11/1), Climate Action (14/1), Madame De Sevigne (22/1), Aquacell (25/1)

A race chock-full of potential and it could be worth focusing on the debutantes, Shamardal filly DIAMOND RAIN getting the nod to come out of top for Godolphin before the benefit of market clues. John & Thady Gosden won this last year with a newcomer and their Shaha ticks plenty of boxes on paper, with Echo Lima and sole previous winner Aquacell completing the shortlist.