Winter Oaks next as Al Agaila makes mockery of handicap mark

Thursday: Lingfield

Luke Morris was doing more looking backwards than he was forwards in the final stages of the feature Winter Oaks Trial, as his mount Al Agaila sauntered to an easy victory.

The rider had a straightforward task aboard the well-handicapped filly, who extended effortlessly clear of the favourite Makinmedoit to win by two and a half lengths.

She has recently blossomed, according to her joint-trainer Simon Crisford, and will return to the track for the £100,000 Winter Oaks on January 21 with a leading chance.

Luke Morris can afford to take it easy as Al Agaila heads for the winning postCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"We'll head in that direction," he said. "She was going through a growing stage in the summer and never really put it together, but this autumn she's really started to blossom.

"She's beginning to fill her frame and show us what we believed she could do. Back in the spring she showed plenty of ability in her work, so we'll see where she takes us."

It was a second win in nine days for the Crisfords and emerging owners KHK Racing, who struck with another smart prospect when Intricacy scored at Wolverhampton last week.

The victory completed a double for Morris, who also partnered the Laura Mongan-trained Regal Glory to success in the 7f nursery.

Derby dreams

Derby entry Nazymbek made a smooth start to his career when running out a dominant winner of the 1m2f novice stakes under Jack Mitchell for Roger Varian.

The colt's pedigree suggests he will be up to a higher grade as his sister Nausha took the Musidora for the same connections in 2019.

Results, replays and analysis

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