Desert excels at Leicester

Lady Of The Desert made a promising debut when running out a smooth winner of the EBF ladbrokes.com Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at Leicester.

Held up in the rear in the early stages, the Brian Meehan-trained filly looked to have nowhere to go on the stands rail, but squeezed her way through a furlong out to make her challenge.

Responding well to Martin Dwyer’s urgings, the 3-1 shot struck the front in the final 100 yards to win by a length and three-quarters from Tomintoul Singer.

Long-time leader La Fortunata was the same distance away in third.

Cashmans were impressed with the winner, and gave her a quote of 16-1 for the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot.