LONDON – Silent Moment can bring up the hat-trick with victory in the Paul Kelleway Memorial Handicap at Lingfield on Wednesday.
The Godolphin filly has hardly looked back since finishing second on her seasonal debut at this track last month. She stepped up on that head defeat to win at Kempton last time, making all under a fine tactical ride from Silvestre de Sousa. Saeed bin Suroor then switched this daughter of Giant’s Causeway up to 2200m in handicap company and she rose to the challenge in style. She prevailed by four lengths back at Kempton, picking up stylishly when asked before being eased right down at the finish.
Silent Moment must shoulder a 3kg penalty for that success last week but the handicapper is almost certain to raise her mark by more than that, making her well in.
Ghost Train put up an encouraging performance in defeat last time and should go well again in the Racing & Music Nights At Lingfield Park Handicap. A winner at Wolverhampton back in March, he appeared to lose his way a bit subsequently but a recent second at Kempton suggests he could be on his way back. Mark Johnston’s runner was just headed in the closing stages that day but still on a lower mark than his last victory, Ghost Train should be in the mix.
Flywheel is one to follow as he makes his racecourse bow in the British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes. A Teofilo half-brother to Group 2 winner Formosina, he is bred to do well as a juvenile and can start to repay a little of his €180,000 price tag.
Viscount Vert had his progress arrested last week when he unseated his rider, but compensation awaits in the Jamcap Property Development Handicap at Sandown. A winner at Chepstow and Windsor, he returned to the latter track in search of a third win on the bounce. However, it was not to be as his saddle slipped 100m out, unshipping David Probert in the process. He still held every chance at that point, although looking an unlikely winner, but should be able to right the record for Andrew Balding.
Ace Of Valhalla was unlucky to come up against useful Rosslyn Castle on his return in April and can go one better in the Devine Homes PLC Handicap. The Sir Henry Cecil-trained colt was thought good enough to be entered in the Dante at one point and while he looks unlikely to realise those lofty expectations, this 2000m heat should be well within his compass.
Flashman was victorious at Redcar in June and can regain the winning thread in Catterick’s August 17th Is Ladies Evening Handicap.
Foundry Square is the choice in Worcester’s Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Night Maiden Hurdle, while Saute can return from a break and make amends for a lacklustre run last time in the IMG Stage Line Selling Hurdle at Uttoxeter. – Press Association.
