Desert Queen on trail of further Listed-race glory

3.10 Huntingdon
188Bet Lady Protectress Mares’ Chase (Listed) | 2m4f | 5yo+ | RUK

Desert Queen, ten-length conqueror of Cresswell Breeze in a similar event at Leicester last month, sets a high standard on that form.

An exciting front-runner when on song, the nine-year-old, who must concede 10lb to all six of her rivals, is bidding for a third Listed prize, having also taken a three-mile event at Market Rasen in November by five lengths from La Vaticane.

Back again

Kilronan High and Kassis, who filled third and fourth places respectively in the race 12 months ago behind Kim Bailey’s Emily Gray, return for another crack at this £30,000 race. Both have been in winning form already this season.

Nicholls in top form

Antartica De Thaix and Desert Queen were sent off 5-4 and 4-5 shots for a mares’ novice chase at Wincanton on Boxing Day – both fell –which suggests there might not be a great deal between them.

Prior to Wednesday’s meeting at Ludlow, Antartica De Thaix’s trainer Paul Nicholls had won with his last four runners – Tommy Silver, Dreamcatching, Wonderful Charm and Persian Delight.

What they say

Pam Sly, trainer of Actinpieces
She’s better over a longer trip but we have few options for her at this time of year. She has two bits of hurdles black type to her name, and it would be great to finish in the first three and get some over fences as well.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Antartica De Thaix
She won nicely at Bangor last time, which will have done her confidence good. It’s a step up in class but she’s a decent mare.

Jamie Snowden, trainer of Kassis
We may be biting off more than we can chew, but it’s important for the breeder that we get some black type for her. She has been fourth in a couple of these Listed races so far so let’s hope she can go one better.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Kilronan High
She’s a good mare who won at Hereford in October. She finished third in this race last year and we’re hoping to get some more black type.

Neil Mulholland, trainer of Pass The Time
She has been a great servant to the yard and goes to Huntingdon in great form. We gave her a run on the Flat at Newcastle a fortnight ago in preparation for this, and she has schooled well at home since.