Derby dream for Cecil
Saturday 3rd November, 2007
Henry Cecil - successful with Twice Over in the bet365 Zetland Conditions Stakes
HENRY CECIL may just have a smart Derby prospect on his hands, judging by the manner of Twice Over’s impressive win in the Zetland Conditions Stakes.
The legendary trainer has already recorded four triumphs in the colts’ Classic and Coral go 20-1 that Twice Over - a debut winner last time out at Newmarket, can add to that tally next June at Epsom.
Certainly, the son of Observatory shaped like a high-prospect in coming from out the back to score by a length-and-a-half in the bet365-sponsored event over 1m 2f.
Cecil said: “He came from a long way back and won easily. He seems to stay well and is something to look forward to. He is a big backward baby and I would like to think that he can improve.”
The international flavour of racing at Newmarket was emphasised in the bet365 Ben Marshall Stakes, which went way the way of Ireland’s Jalmira, who stayed on strongly to secure a neck win from Tell. The six-year-old Danehill Dancer mare, trained by Charkie Swan, has been a grand servant to connections - two of whom were present to witness her seventh career success.
Co-owner Sean Dalton said: “I always wanted to have a winner here and we really brought it home! It is a super win - absolutely unbelievable.”
Mashaahed was all heart in making every yard of the James Seymour Stakes, while Classic Legend was similarly tough in holding on by a short head in the bet365.com Montrose Fillies’ Stakes. Also victorious on the closing day of Newmarket’s 2007 season were La Coveta and Infallible; both of whom landed a division of the 7f fillies’ maiden. The two bet365-sponsored handicaps went the way of Purus and Very Wise.
Racing returns to the NatWest Rowley Mile on Wednesday April 16 - we hope to see you here!
By Tony Rushmer