ANNA NERIUM really kickstarted the season yesterday for the yard. The daughter of Dubawi owned by Mrs McCreery won the Listed Free Handicap under a strong ride from Tom Marquand. He settled her in a lovely position in behind the leaders and she picked up really well when asked and put the race to bed impressively. ‘She hasn’t grown a huge amount over the winter but I was confident she could run a nice race after her group 3 win last year at Salisbury. She is very well bred and seems to be going the right way. The plan now will most probably be to head to Newmarket again for the 1000 Guineas. She won last year at the July course in a Group 3 at Salisbury and so deserves her spot in the Guineas.'
BILLESDON BROOK put up a solid performance in the group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes. She was right there throughout but couldn’t sustain her run as she got tired. ‘The two fillies have been working together during the winter and I was very happy with both performances. This filly will come on plenty for the run and will be very capable of landing a decent prize during the year.’
EUGINIO was having his first run of the year and put up a career best in the Group 3 Earl Of Sefton under Andrea Atzeni. ‘He has been working really well at home and will come on for this run. He ran a cracker to finish third in very good company and seems to really appreciate the incline at the finish’
The two year old GINGER NUT was very green in running but stuck on gamely up to the line. ‘She will improve a ton for the experience and I expect her to go and win next time.’
HIMSELF was the last runner of the day and managed to win impressively with the double seeking Tom Marquand in the saddle. ‘He runs well fresh and has done well Over the winter. He relaxed nicely today and should be capable of better than this in time.’