Wednesday 15th April 2009
Fantasia in stunning seven-length success
FANTASIA lit up the opening day of the new season at Newmarket, giving a stunning display to land the Leslie Harrison Memorial Nell Gwyn Stakes.
The Sadler’s Wells filly came from last to first in dazzling fashion under Frankie Dettori as she powered to a seven-length success.
Travelling with ominous ease on the far side in the 7f Group 3, Dettori just allowed her to cruise to the front before asking her to stretch clear in hugely impressive fashion.
Trained by Luca Cumani, she is owned by George Strawbridge, who also has stanjames.com 1000 Guineas favourite Rainbow View.
Connections have previously stated that Rainbow View will contest the Classic at Newmarket on Sunday May 3 while Fantasia is scheduled to take in the French equivalent on Sunday May 10.
But after this exceptional display in which Damaniyat Girl was a distant second, Strawbridge certainly has an interesting poser to ponder.
Focussing on this afternoon’s triumph, Cumani reflected: "I didn't expect her to win like that, but I am a sort of pessimist so I was happy to see her go clear, for two reasons.
"Firstly because George has shown a lot of faith in the filly through the winter and I didn't want to let him down.
"And secondly because I hold this filly in the highest esteem and one hopes not to be wrong.. She will improve for the race and for going an extra furlong too."
By Tony Rushmer
