Ceedwell’s smart chance
The Thirsk trainer has a tremendous record in two-year-old races at the big meeting having sent out winners of the Coventry, Windsor Castle and Chesham Stakes.
Now he has his sights on this Group Two contest for fillies with the daughter of Exceed And Excel, who has won both her starts at Carlisle and Catterick.
“She looks fabulous and I’m really pleased with her,” said Smart.
“I was pleased to read Mark Johnston giving his horse (Capercaillie) a big write-up.
“One of ours, Exgray, was second to her at Musselburgh and only beaten a neck - this filly is a little bit better than that one so that’s good news, but it is a very hot contest.
“They say our filly wants further but she won over a very fast five at Catterick with top weight.
“I wanted to give her a bit of experience which was why I took her there. She quickened five lengths clear in the final furlong and that shows how much toe she has got.”
Rose Blossom's victory in record time on her debut at Hamilton prompted Highclere Thoroughbreds to buy a half-share in the filly from joint owners, trainer Richard Fahey and John Staunton.
“I was very impressed when seeing the race initially and then hearing the post-race comments from Richard and his wife,” said Highclere managing director Harry Herbert.
“Through agent Alastair Donald we decided we’d try to act as quickly as possible. Sometimes we can do what others don’t want to do which is to buy a percentage of an animal and keep it with the trainer and that’s what we did with Rose Blossom.
“Richard and his partner (Staunton) could have taken much bigger offers but he didn’t want to lose the filly and thought she was possibly the fastest two-year-old he has ever trained.
“I saw the filly for the first time last week and she is a smashing individual, with lots of presence and intelligence about her and we are very excited, fingers crossed.”
Queen Mary Stakes: Cashmans bet - 7/2 Don't Tell Mary, Rose Blossom, 6 Capercaillie, Lady Of The Desert, 8 Misheer, 12 Ceedwell, 14 Crown,16 Bar
