Could the Super Sprint form bear fruit in finely balanced contest?

European Bloodstock News British EBF Fillies' Nursery Handicap | 6f | 2yo fillies | ITV/RTV

Richard Hannon's record in the Super Sprint is unmatched, especially with fillies, and the Wiltshire trainer almost took his record to four winners in the last eight years with such runners when Symphony Perfect was narrowly denied at Newbury.

The daughter of Fast Company almost emulated speedball filly Tiggy Wiggy (2014), Ginger Nut (2018) and Happy Romance (2020), but she could not top stablemate Gubbass, who had too much firepower on the day.

She was barely considered in the market following her ready Bath novice victory at the fourth attempt, but bellied her 22-1 starting price with a highly creditable performance. That was a clear career-best display (RPR 88) and she may be improving at the right time of the season.

If that is the case then Symphony Perfect has to go close in this ultra-competitive contest. Her new mark could leave her vulnerable, but there's no denying that she possesses the desirable characteristics for a nursery winner at this time of year.

Mark Johnston won this race in 2019 (Rose Of Kildare shared a dead-heat) and 2020 (Basilicata), and is represented by regular pacesetters Eternal Glory and Ellade. The battle-hardened pair have been inconsistent over the last couple of months while alternating between 5f and 6f.

Eternal Glory appears best suited to this test given her strength at the finish last time at Hamilton. Once that rising ground comes, she will kick into overdrive.

Similarly experienced juveniles Whistledown and Cashew have to enter calculations, especially the latter who has already struck at handicap level and appeared unsuited by the step up to 7f while not handling the track last time out at Catterick. The daughter of Bated Breath could bounce back under the in-form James Doyle.

We know little about Dora Penny and Between The Sheets in comparison. Likely to be at contrasting ends of the market, the pair are undoubtedly open to more improvement than the majority of their rivals and possess untapped potential for trainers (David Evans and Michael Bell respectively) who have had good seasons with their young horses.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

What they say

Adam Ryan, assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of Lady Ayresome
I thought she ran a great race at Royal Ascot, but maybe just the heavy conditions and stiff six furlongs were against her late on. She travelled well for a long way and has come out of the race fine. She's on quite a nice mark and Oisin McSweeney's 7lb claim is a big help. She probably just doesn't want extremes of ground so the going should be ideal.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Symphony Perfect
She ran a fantastic race in the Super Sprint off the back of an easy win at Bath and is absolutely thriving at present so should make a bold show in a race that looks very suitable, and she goes there with a favourite's chance on her decent form.

Michael Bell, trainer of Between The Sheets
I think she's on a very workable mark. She hasn't had her optimum conditions in any of her runs so we're hoping the rain stays away and if it does she'll be seen to very good effect.

Jack Channon, assistant to Mick Channon, trainer of Whistledown
She's improving with every run and putting up a personal-best every time. She should run a nice race as she's tough and hardy; she goes there with a reasonable chance. Rose [Dawes] is our apprentice and has ridden her plenty at home.
Reporting by Scott Burton

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2.30 Goodwood: are we ready for another Menuisier gamble? Nuits St Georges bids for a hat-trick

3.05 Goodwood: Tom Collins searches for value behind red-hot favourite Wonderful Tonight

3.40 Goodwood: 'I've seen tougher Stewards' Cups' – trainer thoughts on the day's big handicap

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2.00 Galway: can improver Celtic Crown overcome her wide draw in ultra-competitive handicap?

4.20 Galway: Willie Mullins relies on Baby Zeus to extend superb run in €100,000 handicap

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