Quickfire Juvenile Double For In-Form Sioux Nation

Arizona Desert (2f Sioux Nation - Hyland Heather, by Lilbourne Lad) completed a quickfire double for Sioux Nation when gaining a deserved win at Leicester on Tuesday.

Placed on three of her four previous starts, the Dominic French Davies-trained filly was sent off joint-favourite to get off the mark under Hollie Doyle and raced in touch for much of the seven furlong contest. Improving to press the leader two furlongs from home, she was ridden to dispute a furlong later and kept on well to lead by a neck on the line.

Speaking after the race, the winning rider said, “Arizona Desert enjoyed getting her toe in the ground and she tries hard. Her form at Newcastle had worked out well and hopefully there's a bit more to come.”

Owned by Amo Racing, Arizona Desert is the first foal bred by Vincent Kelly out of Hyland Heather, who has a Circus Maximus colt selling at Goffs next month.

The preceding race saw Wichahpi (2f Sioux Nation - Rhal, by Rahy) record her second win for Bryan Smart and owner/breeder Crossfields Racing.

Successful over six furlongs last month, the daughter of Sioux Nation remained over that trip on Tuesday, with Graham Lee back aboard the chesnut. Racing prominently in a field of 18, she was pushed along to lead approaching the two furlong pole and ridden a furlong later. Keeping on well all the while, she held off challenger Insignia by a length on the line.