Analysis and quotes as classy juvenile fillies do battle in Star Stakes

Irish Stallion Farms EBF Star Stakes | Listed | 7f | 2yo fillies | RTV

It was a great weekend for Richard Hannon and his juvenile team courtesy of victories in the Group 2 Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly with Ventura Tormenta and the Super Sprint at Newbury with Happy Romance, and the trainer appears to have two key contenders for this race.

Hannon won the Star Stakes in 2017 with Tajaanus, and the following year had the runner-up with Ajrar. He was not represented in the race in 2019 but this season, the trainer has two strong chances in Concessions and Feathers.

Concessions was a winner on the all-weather on debut at Chelmsford, beating subsequent Chesham third Seattle Rock that day in a three-runner race.

A promotion to Listed company was next for Concessions at Newmarket, and she finished runner-up to Time Scale in the Empress. She did not handle the Dip particularly well on the Rowley Mile, but did finish off well suggesting a step up to seven should suit.

Hannon's other runner, Feathers, is already proven at 7f, having won on debut over the trip at Goodwood. She showed a resolute attitude to defeat the Mark Johnston-trained Basilicata, who has since franked the form.

Richard Fahey rarely has juvenile runners at Sandown, with only six in the last five seasons yeilding one victory. But he has elected to send down Fev Rover, who only found Albany winner Dandalla too strong in the Group 2 Duchess of Cambridge at Newmarket last time.

Fev Rover (red cap): finishes a close second to the classy Dandalla at NewmarketCredit: Edward Whitaker

That is by far the strongest piece of form on offer, and Fev Rover powered up the finish on Newmarket's July course, looking very much like an extra furlong would be to her liking.

Setarhe was runner-up in the Albany last time out, and, while she was beaten six lengths that day by Dandalla, she made ground up nicely from off the pace and should also enjoy the extra furlong on offer on Tuesday.

Dubai Fountain has won both starts to date, making all to beat three rivals on debut at Doncaster, before doing the same again at Haydock to win by eight and a half lengths.

Her debut form is working out, with runner-up She Do defeating Spright next time out. In turn, Spright was a wide-margin winner at York on Sunday.

Dubai Fountain may well attempt to take the field along again under PJ McDonald, but this is a far stiffer test and she could have competition for the lead as Star Of Emaraaty improved for the step up to 7f when making all at Ayr last week.

The Tom Dascombe-trained Spirit Of Sisra completes the field. She was a 28-1 winner at Newmarket last time out and will have no problem with the trip, though needs to find more on bare form.

What they say

Richard Hannon, trainer of Concessions and Feathers
Concessions is a very nice filly. I think this track will suit her more than Newmarket, she's been working well and I'm very hopeful of a big run. Feathers has always shown plenty and is a very nice filly too.

Tom Dascombe, trainer of Spirit Of Sisra
She was a nice surprise at Newmarket and that form has been boosted with the fourth [Wedding Dance] winning since. She's tough and honest and should run well.

Roger Varian, trainer of Setarhe
She's in good form and has shaped on both her starts that she would improve for seven furlongs. We've had our eye on this race for a while, she boasts solid form and will appreciate the better ground compared to when she ran at Ascot.

Kevin Ryan, trainer of Star Of Emaraaty
She has come out of her Ayr win very well. She's very game and genuine and even to get a place would be nice. This stiff track will be ideal, she's tough as teak.

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