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Murtagh looks to Golden Spell to make big impression on maiden visit to course

Golden Spell (right) winning a Navan handicap back in April, seeking a first stakes win at Pontefract
Golden Spell (right) winning a Navan handicap back in April, seeking a first stakes win at PontefractCredit: Alain Barr (racingpost.com/photos)

3.35 PontefractEBF Stallions Highfield Farm Flying Fillies' Stakes (Listed) | 3yo+ | 6f | RUK

County Kildare trainers Johnny Murtagh and Ken Condon saddle their first runners at Pontefract on Sunday afternoon, fielding Golden Spell and Rajar respectively in the Listed Flying Fillies' Stakes.

Golden Spell arguably looks to have the stronger chance of the pair, having been beaten just half a length in third at this level at Navan last time.

Murtagh said: "A Listed race win has proved elusive for her so far, although she has been placed four times at the level.

"It looks competitive but we're hopeful. She travelled over well and we're happy with her."

Rajar is familiar with British racing having formerly been with Richard Hannon and Richard Fahey. She has shaped with promise on three starts for Condon, most recently finishing third in the Listed Queensferry Stakes at Chester.

Condon said: "We were very pleased with her run at Chester last time when she got some black type by running third. We're back hoping for more of the same. She's in good form."


What they say

Ben Haslam, trainer of Castle Hill Cassie
She's going there in good shape, she's run well at York a few times and travelled well into her races. We thought she seems like a horse who could run better in a better race. I think a flat track would suit her better but we'll give it a go and find out where we are. She's entered at York [next week] and we could still have a stab at that.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Dance Diva and Darkanna
Dance Diva has a nice draw. She's stepping back to six furlongs, she's in good form and it will be interesting to see how she gets on. Darkanna doesn't have a great draw and I imagine she'll probably need this run.

Andrew Balding, trainer of Foxtrot Lady
She ran well enough in the Stewards' Cup last time and deserves her place in a stakes race. I'm not sure about the draw but she wouldn't want too much rain. She's in good form and hopefully she'll run well.

Chris Dwyer, trainer of Rock On Baileys
She's fine and ready to go. Unfortunately she's got a bit of a shocking draw, but we'll do our best and hopefully she'll be competitive.

Jeremy Noseda, trainer of Zain Hana
She's in good form and I'm happy with her draw. I hope they don't get too much rain there, but she won well last time and we're rolling the dice and taking a step up in grade. She's in good order but ideally I'd want the ground to be a little faster.


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James StevensWest Country correspondent

Published on 18 August 2018inPreviews

Last updated 15:52, 18 August 2018

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