Smart Juvenile Stakes Winner By No Nay Never

Celestial Orbit (2f No Nay Never – Rose Bonheur, by Danehill Dancer) will step up to Group level after running out a commanding winner of Thursday’s Listed Star Stakes at Sandown.

The Ollie Sangster-trained filly won her second start at Haydock earlier this month and remained over seven furlongs on Thursday, with Jamie Spencer retaining the partnership. She began to make headway approaching the two furlong marker and was ridden to lead a furlong later. Keeping on well, she went on to score by two and a quarter lengths.

“We've always liked her,” said the winning trainer. “She's laid-back and only does enough in her work, but the racing has switched her on and she's done well physically throughout the season. She saw the stiff seven furlongs out well and I think she'll continue to improve.”

On future plans, Sangster continued, "One of the first things Jamie said when he came in is that she should improve over a mile but obviously there aren't many of those races for a bit. She's in the Group 2 Prix du Calvados in August, while the Prestige Stakes could be an option but we'll wait to see how she comes out of this."

The stable won last year’s running with subsequent Group 1 performer Shuwari, while previous winners include the top-class Inspiral. The latest winner is owned by the Magnier’s, Shanahan and Maclennan, having been bought by Mandore Agency as a yearling for 260,000gns.

The daughter of No Nay Never was bred by BV Sangster and is a half-sister to dual Group winner Nayef Road (Galileo).