Race Conditions & Setup
A Listed-level contest for 3yo fillies over the extended 7f trip. With 10 runners, each-way terms apply (3 places). It’s often a stepping stone for Group-level performers. Notable winners include Devoted Queen, Fonteyn, and Primo Bacio.
Pace forecast is strong. Historically, hold-up horses have been disadvantaged in this race when run at an even or strong gallop. Low draws are favoured at this track/trip under these going conditions.
Contenders and Key Runners (with Timeform Adjusted Ratings)
CONSECRATED – Adj 103+ – 8/10
Frankel filly from the family of Sacred. Made a serious impression on debut, winning by 3L at Newbury. The form is working out well. Likely to improve for the step up in trip. Drawn low in 4. From the Haggas yard, which won this race in 2019 (Magnetic Charm). Trainer in strong spring form.
GLITTERING SURF – Adj 103+ – 8/10
Unbeaten in two Kempton runs, winning impressively both times and comfortably holding Bermuda Longtail latest. Yard has strong level stakes profits with single runners at meetings. Should be suited by the pace and likely races handy. Yet to run on turf but pedigree suggests she’ll handle it.
KON TIKI – Adj 103+ – 7/10
Also 2 from 2 and looks a very straightforward filly. By Night of Thunder, out of a 1¾m-winning mare, so stamina assured. Handy run-style, although the wide draw (10) is not ideal and may require luck to get a good pitch.
GULYA – Adj 98+ – 7/10
Shaped very well when a fast-finishing second at Ascot, having to wait for a run. Sectionals confirm she had more to give. Might appreciate a strongly run mile and has early pace to secure position from stall 2. One to monitor in the market.
SERVING WITH STYLE – Adj 111 – 6/10
Officially the highest-rated on adjusted Timeform figures (based on her 2nd in the G2 Rockfel), but her prominent profile is flattered by a soft lead and she’s been off 231 days. May need the run. On the shortlist, but with reservations regarding her set-up.
TROIA – Adj 98+ – 6/10
Won well at Newbury before following up at Catterick. Will be better suited by the return to a galloping track. Still has something to find on adjusted figures, but her progressive profile and handy draw give her a place chance.
BERMUDA LONGTAIL – Adj 100 – 5/10
Held by Glittering Surf on both runs. Clearly has ability but may again find a few too strong. Trainer Balding is in red-hot form, however, and she’s likely to race off the pace.
ROYALTY BAY – Adj 97 – 4/10
Last seen when well beaten in the Firth of Clyde Stakes. Has pace to take advantage of stall 1, but lacks the finishing strength against Listed-class rivals. Best watched unless market support is notable.
ELSIE’S RUAN – Adj 103+ (2yo) – 4/10
Won on debut here in 2024 and was then placed in the Sweet Solera, but hasn’t been seen since a poor run in a G2. Long layoff of 246 days and wide draw. Yard not renowned for Listed winners. May come on for the outing.
THE THIRD STAR – Adj 97 – 3/10
Improving filly from a low-profile yard but has a bit to find on all known form. Won her maiden on the AW, then second at Yarmouth but that form is below this grade. Outsider’s chance at best.
Trainer Trends
- William Haggas (Consecrated) and Owen Burrows (Glittering Surf) both have positive records with early-season 3yo fillies.
- Ed Walker (Troia) trained 2021 winner Primo Bacio.
- John Quinn (Royalty Bay) also trained 2023’s runner-up at a price.
Pace and Draw Angles
- Strong pace expected, with Elsie’s Ruan, Gulya, and Kon Tiki among those who like to press forward.
- Low draws (1–4) hold an advantage at York over this trip when the ground is quick and pace is strong.
- Consecrated (drawn 4) and Gulya (2) are ideally berthed.
- Kon Tiki (10) and Bermuda Longtail (9) will need to overcome wide trips.
Ratings Summary & Marks out of 10
| Horse | Draw | Adj TFR | Rating (/10) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consecrated | 4 | 103+ | 8 |
| Glittering Surf | 3 | 103+ | 8 |
| Kon Tiki | 10 | 103+ | 7 |
| Gulya | 2 | 98+ | 7 |
| Serving With Style | 6 | 111 | 6 |
| Troia | 7 | 98+ | 6 |
| Bermuda Longtail | 9 | 100 | 5 |
| Royalty Bay | 1 | 97 | 4 |
| Elsie’s Ruan | 8 | 103+ (2yo) | 4 |
| The Third Star | 5 | 97 | 3 |
Tissue Estimate
| Horse | Tissue Price |
|---|---|
| Consecrated | 7/2 |
| Glittering Surf | 4/1 |
| Kon Tiki | 11/2 |
| Gulya | 6/1 |
| Serving With Style | 15/2 |
| Troia | 10/1 |
| Bermuda Longtail | 12/1 |
| Royalty Bay | 25/1 |
| Elsie’s Ruan | 33/1 |
| The Third Star | 50/1 |
Notes & Final Thoughts
- Consecrated rates highest based on draw, trainer trend, and debut substance. Looks the most likely winner.
- Glittering Surf and Kon Tiki are both unbeaten but need to prove turf form and overcome wider draws.
- Gulya is a strong each-way angle, especially given her Ascot sectional performance and low draw.
- Serving With Style has the highest rating but faces a tricky reappearance against sharper rivals.
- Monitor the market, particularly on Elsie’s Ruan and Serving With Style, both returning from layoffs of 200+ days.
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