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'We've won big races all over the world but it hasn't happened in England'

Light Refrain: bids to reverse Ascot placings with Vadream at York
Light Refrain: bids to reverse Ascot placings with Vadream at YorkCredit: GROSSICK (racingpost.com/photos)

2.40 York
William Hill Summer Stakes (Group 3) | 6f | 3yo+ fillies and mares | ITV3/RTV

This race brings together strands of form from several different races at Royal Ascot, so which is the right one to follow? Maybe speed figures can give us a clue to their merits.

Judged on Raceform speed figures it is the Jersey Stakes which produced the best time and Vadream was awarded 115 for her third behind Creative Force. That meets the class par for open Group 2 company and is good enough to beat the figure for a fillies' Group 1.

Jamie Spencer rides Ascot's straight track better than anyone else and he gave Vadream a well-judged ride to pick off the stragglers and take third. It is unlikely that Vadream will be capable of a figure higher than 115 here, but she will not need to improve unless a star lurks.

Light Refrain also contested the Jersey, finishing eight places behind Vadream in 11th. Light Refrain recorded a figure of 102, but she raced close to the strong early pace and finished slowly in comparison to Vadream. She might get closer to Vadream if racing more efficiently.

Mo Celita does not bring Group form, but her fifth in the Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes at Royal Ascot was good enough for a Raceform speed figure of 110 and that equals the class par for a fillies' Group 3 like this. She had won her last five before then and could still be on the upgrade.

Dandalla was fourth in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup, but that was only enough for a figure of 103 and she was a long way behind the winner. She has yet to better a Racing Post Rating of 98 this year, but had a peak of 106 last season, so needs to prove she has trained on.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway


Fellowes bids for British breakthrough

Charlie Fellowes has two big chances as he heads north in search of a first British Group-race success.

The Newmarket trainer has won two Group 3s as far afield as Australia with Prince Of Arran, who has also been placed in three Melbourne Cups, but is yet to strike on home soil.

He has won nothing higher than a Listed race here, most recently last autumn at Goodwood with Onassis, who is joined by Jersey Stakes third Vadream in today's field.

"We've won big races all over the world but for some reason it hasn't happened in England," Fellowes said. "We've been unlucky and come very close on numerous occasions, it would be really nice to get that monkey off our back.

"Vadream has run very well in defeat this year. She was a bit green in the Fred Darling and she ran another cracker in the Guineas but ran out of petrol.

"She ran another huge race against the boys in the Jersey, travelling almost as well as anything in the race. She's quick so I have no problem with six furlongs."

He added: "Don't rule Onassis out either. She was beaten two and three-quarter lengths in the Champions Sprint last year. If she brings that form to the table she'll be very hard to beat."


What they say

Saeed bin Suroor, trainer of Final Song
Final Song is in good form and showed out in Dubai that six furlongs suits her well. This is the first time this year that she is racing against her own sex and she's ready to go.

Adam Ryan, assistant to Kevin Ryan, trainer of Last Empire & Dexter Belle
Last Empire is a Listed winner and looks like she'll get her ground. When conditions are right, she's a very good filly. We've always thought a lot of Dexter Belle, who ran well to finish third last time even though the trip was on the sharp side.

Stuart Williams, trainer of Queen Kahlua
She has a bit to find but she didn't have a hard race on Sunday, where she was stuck at the back in a slowly-run race. This is worth a crack.

Karl Burke, trainer of Dandalla
I'm very hopeful of a big run. She came out of her good run at Ascot really well and seems in great form. This is a competitive Group 3, but the ground is fine.

Tom Marquand, rider of Light Refrain
She's back in trip which is the prime concern, but she's looking like a sprinter now. She's pretty versatile as regards to the ground.
Reporting by David Carr


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Graeme RodwayDeputy betting editor
David CarrReporter

Published on 8 July 2021inPreviews

Last updated 20:06, 8 July 2021

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