'We can always dream of Ascot' - new trainer thinking big after dominant two-year-old winner

Jack Morland: trained his fifth winner of 2025Credit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

New trainer Jack Morland could have a first runner at Royal Ascot to look forward to after two-year-old Saucy Jane bolted clear to land the 5f maiden.

She made every yard under Sam James to go one better than on her Pontefract debut and give Nick Bradley Racing a one-two, with 80-1 chance Homestrait in second for Brian Ellison.

The success is a fifth this year for Newmarket-based Morland, who has already beaten his tally of four from last season's rookie campaign. He is considering a step up in class next to see if Ascot is a legitimate option.

Morland said: "She had a poor draw at Pontefract and she ran respectably but her homework had been showing us she'd improved. I'm delighted for all of my team, especially Harriett [Bryce], who rides her every day and broke her in as well.

"She looks like a filly on the up and a nice prospect. We'll see how she gets on when she gets home but we could look at the Hilary Needler Trophy back here [May 24] or the Marygate at York next Friday.

"We can always dream of Ascot. She looks a nice filly and if she continues to progress there's no reason why we can't look at it."

Go West

Simon West also bettered his tally from last season as Vixey gave him a third winner of the season in the 7½f fillies handicap. She held off Starsong by a length under Aiden Brookes.

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