'A peach of a ride' - Dixon's praise for Swift as Kitten's Dream battles back

Wednesday: Wolverhampton

Scott Dixon was full of praise for jockey Dale Swift after Kitten’s Dream bounced back from a slow start to land the 1m6f handicap.

The five-year-old was forced to make up a number of lengths after a delayed reaction when leaving the stalls, but battled hard to finish a length and a half clear of Chicago Gal.

"Dale gave him a peach of a ride because he didn't panic. He galvanised him in the last couple of bends and got us back into contention," said Dixon.

"He’s won well enough, but whether he can back it up I don’t know because he’s not a reliable character."

Dixon has yet to stick to a preferred trip for Kitten’s Dream, who has shown his versatility by contesting races over distances between 1m4f and 2m2½f.

"It’s hard to know what his ideal distance is because he’d do it over anything, he hasn’t got a favourite,” said the trainer.

"He’s got ability and there are plenty of other wins for him because he’s a sound horse, but we have to dial into exactly what he wants.

"If we get him out of missing the break then he’ll improve, but the onus is on us to make sure it happens and he keeps enjoying his races," Dixon added.

Off the mark

The David Evans-trained Zephina secured a maiden victory at the 11th attempt, finishing comfortably clear in the 6f nursery.

The 9-2 shot, who was having her second start in a week after finishing eighth in a £100,000 auction stakes at Newmarket on Saturday, pulled two and a quarter lengths clear of 66-1 shot Cloud Flyer.

Results, replays and analysis

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