Doc Hay takes victory at Carlisle
Fledgling trainer Keith Dalgleish gained a confidence boost on the eve of his first Royal Ascot runner as Doc Hay claimed the Stobart Group & Hospice At Home Handicap at Carlisle.
The former jockey is really making his name for himself on the northern circuit and he can head south full of hope as he saddles the talented juvenile Stonefield Flyer in tomorrow's Windsor Castle Stakes.
Bought out of Paul Cole's yard for £7,600 (€8,623) at the end of May, 7-2 shot Doc Hay made a winning start for his new trainer at Hamilton at the start of the month and followed up in beating Mullglen by half a length.
"He's looking a good buy," said the Scottish trainer.
"I haven't seen the race myself as I'm down at Windsor and only listened to the commentary over the phone, but it's nice he's won again.
"We'll get him home and see how he is before we make any plans, but he looks a nice horse and he's going the right way."
Dalgleish, a winner at the Royal meeting as a rider in 2003 with Fantastic Love for Mark Johnston, added: "The horses are running well, which is great. We know it's going to be hard tomorrow but he (Stonefield Flyer) deserves his chance. We're not there to make up the numbers.
"His preparation has been good and it's just nice to be going to Royal Ascot with a runner. It's nice to get your name in the paper."
Mick Easterby's Alluring Star made her second successful visit to the track this year with a determined effort from the front in the Piper Heidsieck Fillies' Handicap.
The daughter of Easterby's former stable star Gentleman's Deal was soon bowling along in front in the hands of James Sullivan and the 7-1 shot fought off the challengers to score a length and three-quarters in hand from Fairlie Dinkum.
The trainer's son and assistant, David Easterby, said: "I'm really pleased. She's a filly we spent a lot of time training as a two-year-old but not a lot of time running, as she never stopped growing. I think she'll grow again from three to four.
"She likes a bit of cut in the ground and she's Gentleman's Deal's second winner, so that's great.
"She got in off bottom weight and James gave her a perfect ride.
"She's only going to improve and we have a couple of follow-up options for her, although you like to give them time between their races if possible. We'll see."
The David Griffiths-trained Ay Tay Tate (20-1) recorded his first success at the 21st attempt in the West Moor Stud Handicap, routing the opposition by eight lengths.
"It wasn't really a shock. He just needs to get out and get in front and keep galloping. All he does is gallop," said Griffiths.
"He's been a long-standing maiden but he's done it well. I don't know what the handicapper will do but we'll get him home and see how he is."
There was a shock result to the Book Your Conference At Carlisle Racecourse Maiden Auction Stakes with 40-1 shot Bartley claiming victory for Bryan Smart.
The burden of top-weight did not stop 8-11 favourite Moody Tunes collecting the Ultimate Ladies' Night On 1st August Claiming Stakes, while Fazza (7-2) recorded his third win of a productive year in the Bell & Plate Day Next Wednesday Handicap.
Choc'A'Moca (9-2) turned in his second win in a week in division one of the Watch Racing UK On Sky 432 Handicap, while division two went to 11-1 shot Bid For Gold.
