Cloak Of Spirits out to enhance Classic claims in May Hill

3.45 Doncaster
William Hill May Hill Stakes (Group 2) | 1m | 2yo | ITV/Sky

Cloak Of Spirits, one of the favourites for next year's Qipco 1,000 Guineas after her striking debut success at Ascot, aims to enhance her Classic prospects on her second start.

Trained by Richard Hannon, Cloak Of Spirits won by three and a half lengths and the margin of victory was all the more impressive as jockey Andrea Atzeni lost an iron briefly early in the race.

She was installed at 20-1 for the Guineas and could be trading as the clear market leader at the end of the day granted a similar performance.

Hannon, whose father Richard snr won this race twice with Nasheej (2005) and Pollenator (2009), said: "It's a good race but I'm really excited about seeing how far she can go. We thought she would run well at Ascot but didn't quite expect her to do it the way she did, so we knew we had a good filly on our hands. This has been the plan since and hopefully we can go on to the Fillies' Mile afterwards."

Last month's Sweet Solera winner West End Girl sets the standard for trainer Mark Johnston and jockey Franny Norton, who are poised to join forces in Saturday's William Hill St Leger with Sir Ron Priestley.

Between her Newmarket success and debut win at Haydock, West End Girl was an unlucky fifth in a Listed race at Sandown.

"She was still a bit green and hit a flat spot at Sandown, without that she could easily be unbeaten," said owner Mike Spence.

"She was impressive last time out when she went a bit quick really but still won and was even going away at the finish."

West End Girl (right): the impressive Sweet Solera winner sets the standard for Mark JohnstonCredit: Grossick Racing

Boomer is the only other Group 3 winner in the field and the form of last month's Prestige Stakes victory was boosted when runner-up Dark Lady won last week's Dick Poole at Salisbury.

The home-bred daughter of Kingman, out of owner Chasemore Farm's dam Wall Of Sound, has won both her starts since a low-key debut at Haydock.

"We were delighted with her win last time and the step up in trip should suit," said trainer Tom Dascombe. "She's like her mother in that she's improving with every run and is a real trier."

Aidan O'Brien won the race for the first time last year with Fleeting and attempts to follow up with Passion, who is a sister to St Leger winner Capri.

"She came forward nicely from her first run to win well at Cork and while she's stepping up in grade, we're happy with her," said O'Brien.

Passion: the sister to St Leger winner Capri will attempt to follow up last season's first win in the race for Aidan O'BrienCredit: Patrick McCann

Hugo Palmer is pitching Powerful Breeze straight into Group 2 company after she won at Newmarket on debut by nearly three lengths.

"We've always liked her and she came to hand quite quickly, scoring on debut at Newmarket," said the trainer. "Everything has gone well since and we're hoping to get some black type. On pedigree the step up in trip should suit her."

Godolphin won the race four years in a row between 2010 and 2013 and will try to get back on the roll of honour with Alpen Rose.

The Charlie Appleby-trained juvenile landed a maiden over course and distance last month on soft ground after a promising second at Newmarket on debut in July.

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