Dods double-handed as Que Amoro and Queens Gift battle for Listed honours

4.15 Ayr
EBF Land O'Burns Fillies' Stakes (Listed Race) | 5f | 3yo+ fillies & mares | RTV

The restricted programme has forced Michael Dods into pitching two of his stars against each other in this Listed sprint for fillies and that has left stable jockey Paul Mulrennan with the tough decision of choosing between his regular partners Que Amoro and Queens Gift.

The Racing Post handicappers have Que Amoro 1lb higher than her stablemate, but the BHA assessor disagrees and currently rates Queens Gift 2lb superior.

Mulrennan has chosen Que Amoro but has he made the right decision? It’s a yes from me.

Que Amoro improved rapidly when backing up two wins at York last summer with a good second in Listed company at this course in September. The daughter of Es Que Love comes here having recorded her three highest RPRs on her last three starts. She is also less exposed than Queens Gift and looks open to further progress.

The Dods-trained runners might not have this all their own way though. The unusual structure of this season means we are seeing more three-year-olds take on their older counterparts at an earlier stage and there are six potential improvers from the younger generation in this 12-runner field, who receive 6lb in weight for age.

There weren’t many tougher juvenile sprinters last season than Mrs Bouquet, who completed a hat-trick when winning at Glorious Goodwood in July and she looks sure to improve for her recent reappearance at that track last week. She might just prove the fly in the ointment.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

Dods holds the key with two strong chances

Michael Dods takes a large chunk out of the market by running Que Amoro and Queens Gift against each other in this Listed sprint.

The condensed fixture list has forced the trainer's hand and each filly has their own merits at the head of the betting.

This will be a first start of the season for Que Amoro and Dods said: "She needed her first run last year and I'd expect her to improve for the race, but she'll run well. There's a bit of rain forecast, but hopefully the ground will stay fast."

Queens Gift, on the other hand, has a recent run under her belt with a promising fifth in the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket.

Michael Dods: double-handed in Ayr's feature contest on MondayCredit: Louise Pollard

"She's had a run at Newmarket and has come out of it well. She likes a fast pace to aim at and she'll get that," said the trainer.

Asked how the fillies measure up against each other, Dods said: "They've never worked together. Que Amoro is very enthusiastic and tends to do a lot of work on her own, while Queens Gift is the opposite as she is more laid back at home and saves it for the racecourse."

What they say

Adam Ryan, assistant trainer of Dandy's Beano and She Can Dance
Dandy's Beano ran well in a Listed race at the track at the end of last season. She was very progressive last year, winning four races, and her best form is with cut in the ground. She Can Dance is having her first start back and is a filly we like. She has done well over the winter and has strengthened from two to three.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Fool For You
We're trying to get some black type and on ratings she has to step up to the mark, but we're happy with her. She won the Gosforth Park Cup at Newcastle last year, which is on at the weekend, and she could go back for that depending how she gets on.

Roger Fell, trainer of Yolo Again
It's not that hot a race for the level and we'll be looking to try and get a place. She's a game little filly and if we can get some black type with her, it's job done.

Fozzy Stack, trainer of American Lady
She ran very well at Naas and the five-furlong trip at Ayr will certainly suit better than the five and a half at Naas. She has loads of speed. She seems in good form and, in an open race, she goes there with a chance.

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