Smart Gleneagles Filly To Target Pattern Prizes

Secret Solace (2f Gleneagles - Secret Pursuit, by Lawman) became her sire’s second juvenile winner in as many days when landing a competitive novice stakes at Salisbury.

The Marcus Tregoning-trained filly shaped with promise on debut earlier this month, when finishing third in a Class 2 conditions race at Newbury, and was sent off second favourite on Thursday. Jim Crowley rode the bay close to the leader and pushed her along to assert approaching the final furlong. Keeping on well inside the final furlong, she denied Havana Blue by a neck, with three parts of a length back to the favourite Greek Order in third.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “I know Roger Charlton thinks a lot of Greek Order and you can be damn sure he'll win next time, Secret Solace ran in a useful conditions race at Newbury. I think she'll be a Pattern-class filly and her dam stayed well, so I might be thinking of a run in the spring. Then on to the Cheshire Oaks, which could suit a filly like her who jumps and travels well.”

Owned and bred by Guy Brook, Secret Solace is a half-sister to useful stayer Secret Shadow (Camelot).

The previous day at Catterick, Sunningdale (2c Gleneagles - Fashion Statement, by Rainbow Quest) got off the mark when justifying even-money favouritism over seven furlongs.

Paul and Oliver Cole’s charge had finished second on his two previous starts, mostly recently when beaten a nose in a Class 2 contest at Ascot. Ridden by Mohammed Tabti for the first time on Thursday, he was shaken up approaching the two furlong marker and was ridden to lead inside the final furlong. Keeping on well, he led by three and a quarter lengths on the line.

Owned by Paul Cole with Valmont and Magnier, Sunningdale was bred by Oak Hill Stud.