Queen out to blow opposition away on return from wind operation

Kalahari Queen appears in her third qualifier for the EBF/TBA Mares' Chase Series (2.25) at Wetherby on Tuesday afternoon, where she faces just two opponents in a bid to get her head in front over fences for the first time.

The Jamie Snowden-trained mare has had a minor wind operation since her latest appearance in this series at Exeter in December, when she blundered away her chance at the last.

Prior to switching to fences, Kalahari Queen was a smart hurdler, winning twice last season before finishing an excellent second in a Grade 2 at Newbury.

Snowden said on Monday: "Kalahari Queen's last run was a good effort as she finished second to an unexposed horse of JP McManus's, Dalila Du Seuil, although she nearly unseated at the last.

"We had long thought about having her wind looked at and she has since had a small soft palate operation, which seems to have done the trick.

"She's come back in great form and this looks a good opportunity for her. She's already qualified for the final of the series at Cheltenham in April and that is a long-term option for her."

The Philip Hobbs-trained Little Miss Poet, who has a 6lb penalty to carry for winning a similar race at Ludlow last month, and Graceful Legend, trained by Ben Case, lie in wait for Snowden's representative.

Strong will have to be

Strong Resemblance has enjoyed a productive spell over hurdles of late but faces the moment of truth when he is back over fences in the Join Racing TV Now Handicap Chase (4.35) at Wetherby.

Oliver Greenall's runner carries top weight against seven opponents in the three-mile contest, which is a qualifier for the Northern Lights Staying Chase Series.

Strong Resemblance: won at Ayr in January under Ross TurnerCredit: Grossick Photography

Strong Resemblance registered successive wins over hurdles at Huntingdon and Ayr over Christmas but is up 13lb for his ten-length trouncing of Craiganboy at Ayr.

Prior to his reversion to hurdles the eight-year-old had registered his sole success to date over fences at Huntingdon in November, before following up with a decent second at Ffos Las.

As for the opposition, Minella For Me looks have a good chance if reproducing his second to Lord County in a similar race at Doncaster in December, though he is tackling three miles for the first time under rules.

Big guns aim for Wolverhampton novice

John Gosden has not had a runner since Playful Spirit won on the day racing resumed after the equine flu shutdown at Southwell last Wednesday, and is hoping that Elisheba is fresh and well for the Ladbrokes Home Of The Odds Boost Fillies' Novice Stakes (8.00) at Wolverhampton.

John Gosden: says Elisheba has worked nicely at homeCredit: Alan Crowhurst

The daughter of Australia was an eyecatcher when fifth on her debut at Kempton over a mile earlier this month, when she was beaten just five lengths behind the useful-looking Yimkin.

The 200,000gns purchase was making a belated first start that day but has since worked well and should be suited by the step up to nine and a half furlongs.

Gosden said: "Elisheba missed the break at Kempton but made some late progress and has since worked nicely at home.

"These novice races are not easy to win these days and there look to be a couple of interesting ones in there, including a Godolphin filly, so we'll see how we go."

As well as that opponent, the Charlie Appleby-trained Dawn Crusade, Elisheba is taken on by newcomer Teodora De Vega, who is out to extend a remarkable run of success for Ralph Beckett and owners Waverley Racing with the offspring of Lope De Vega.

The 250,000gns purchase has hard acts to follow as the trainer and owner combination cleaned up through the second part of last year with the likes of Listed winners Manuela De Vega and Feliciana De Vega, as well as promising pair Antonia De Vega and Dancing Vega.

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