Calyx Filly Draws Clear On Second Start

Warda Jamila (2f Calyx - Promise Me, by Montjeu) produced a smart performance to run out a commanding winner of the Fillies’ Novice Stakes at Leicester.

The Andrew Balding-trained filly finished a promising fourth at the track on debut and stepped up to a mile on her second start on Tuesday. Sent off favourite under Jason Watson, the bay made all of the running and was last off the bridle with two furlongs left to race. Ridden clear approaching the final furlong, she was eased down close home to win by two lengths and three quarters.

“Warda Jamila was professional on her second start,” the winning rider said. “She has a great mind and it will be interesting to see where she ends up distance-wise as she is related to Coltrane and by Calyx. She's a nice type.”

Warda Jamila is owned by Sultan Ali, having been bought by Rabbah Bloodstock as a yearling for 120,000gns. Bred and sold by Rockfield Farm, she is a half-sister to multiple Group-winning stayer Coltrane (Mastercraftsman). She hails from the first crop of Calyx, who recently sired his second Group 2 winner in the shape of Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte heroine Classic Flower.