Monday 30th March 2009
Bell optimistic about stanjames.com Guineas pair
Sariska makes winning debut under Jamie Spencer at Newmarket last November. Pic: Chris Bourchier
MICHAEL BELL has given a positive bulletin on his exciting filly Sariska who has been slashed to 10/1 by the sponsors for The stanjames.com 1000 Guineas.
The daughter of Pivotal gave a perfect introductory performance when triumphing in a 7f maiden on Newmarket’s final card last November.
Now she has come in for strong market support that has seen her odds half in price well in advance of her intended Classic engagement back at the Rowley Mile on Sunday, May 3.
Her trainer said: “I love her and she will hopefully run in a trial with a view to her being aimed at Newmarket.
“She will be entered in the (Leslie Harrison Memorial) Nell Gwyn Stakes (April 15, Newmarket) and the Fred Darling (Newbury, April 18) - we will have a look at both races and see how we go.
“She is a very powerful filly - she’s built like a colt. She is very masculine but at the same time got a lot of quality.”
Bell also has a ‘live’ outsider for The stanjames.com 2000 Guineas in the shape of Art Connoisseur, who gave a dazzling display to win last year’s Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.
He subsequently disappointed on his only start after that in the Gimcrack Stakes but Bell is upbeat about the 25/1 shot’s prospects.
He said: “He looks great and is moving well. His Coventry form is, I think, the best two-year-old form in the book with five Group winners behind him. And he didn’t just win, any neutral would agree he was very impressive that day.”
There is a little question-mark regarding his ability to stay a mile but Bell is optimistic that his charge will show himself to be more than just a speedster.
He said: “It’s obviously an issue because he is unproven but one has to take a positive attitude that he will get a mile, bearing in mind his sire did and he’s out of a mare by Danehill. So he’s bred to be a miler.”
Newmarket race-goers may well get a look at Art Connoisseur ahead of the Stan James-sponsored 2000 Guineas, according to Bell.
“Art Connoisseur is very likely to run in a Guineas trial at the Craven meeting,” indicated the trainer.
By Tony Rushmer
