'He's on the up and stronger this year' - progressive sprinter Naana's Sparkle makes flawless start for new trainer Lemos de Souza

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Naana's Sparkle made the perfect start for his new trainer Lemos de Souza in the feature 5f handicap. 

The four-year-old was making his first start since leaving Alice Haynes and appreciated the rain-softened conditions to reverse the form with Kinswoman from his last run at Haydock in October. 

Ridden prominently by Kieran O'Neill, Naana's Sparkle got the better of the odds-on favourite in the final furlong, defying her rally to score by a neck and land his fourth success.

"I was very impressed," O'Neill told Sky Sports Racing. "I spoke to Lemos this morning and he said there was going to be a lot of rain here and that it suits him when he gets his toe in. He's won on fast ground, the all-weather and on heavy at Goodwood last year.

"He travelled very strongly into the race and I probably got there half a furlong too soon. Lemos said he might just get a bit tired, but he didn't and he galloped through the line quite strongly. He's probably 85 to 90 per cent fit and there's a bit more to come – he's on the up and stronger this year."

Almaty Star was deemed a non-runner by the stewards after being prevented from starting on equal terms due to having his head turned to the side when the stalls opened.

De Souza recorded a double when U S S Charleston landed the closing 5f handicap under 3lb claimer Connor Planas.

Top prospect

Silent Beauty justified her 5-4 starting price to make a winning debut in the 6f fillies' maiden for Amo Racing and trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy.

The juvenile fetched €1 million as a yearling and is by sire-of-the-moment Night Of Thunder and out of a Group 1 winner in No Speak Alexander. A four-length win suggested she can be competitive at Royal Ascot.

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