13 May
VITA Nova looked a filly with a big future when taking her unbeaten record to three in the Lloyds TSB for the Journey handicap.
The Henry Cecil-trained filly, now four, won both her starts last year but stepped up again to take this competitive handicap in impressive fashion.
Jockey Ian Mongan made all aboard the 11/4 favourite and she never looked like getting caught as she lengthened clear to win by six lengths.
Mike Marshall, assistant to Cecil, said: €Å“That was a good performance on ground that would have lively enough for her. She couldn€™t have done it any better and will come on for that. This filly is very straightforward and will hopefully get
further.€'
Seal Rock was another to enhance his unbeaten record when winning the Lloyds TSB Financial Markets handicap for trainer Henry Candy and jockey Fergus Sweeney.
The son of Ishiguru was an easy winner at the Guineas meeting but had to stick his neck out for today's victory.
A delighted Candy said: "He's a big, strong horse who I hope we can have a lot of fun with. He just did enough and we'll go to York for the York Charity Trophy."'
4/6 favourite Royal Blush had to pull out all the stops to take the Lloyds TSB Financial Markets EBF for trainer Paul Cole.
The daughter of Royal Applause was second on her debut here at the Craven Meeting and stayed on gamely under Neil Callan to beat the encouraging debutant Lemon Rock by three-quarters of a length.
Oliver Cole, assistant to his father, said: "She probably doesn't want the ground that quick but has done well. I wouldn't mind dropping her back to five (furlongs) and think she could be capable of winning a Stakes race."
Backers of 1/3 favourite Skip Along had anxious moments when she looked to idle in the closing stages of The Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance maiden.
The John Gosden-trained filly was in front from the outset under Darryll Holland but was being reeled in up the hill by Crassula who just failed by a neck.
Kevin Buckley, representing the winning owners Mrs John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor, said: "It'ss nice to get a win with her although I don't think she liked the very quick ground. She's in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot but we'll leave it to John (Gosden)."
The Lloyds TSB Commercial maiden went to Zain Shamardal (8/15F) for trainer Brian Meehan and jockey Shane Kelly.
The son of Shamardal had good form in the book and, with an official rating of 89, he didn't have to improve much to take this.
Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Jaber Abdullah, said: "We'll go for a handicap now and I would hope he can improve stepped up to a mile and a quarter."'
The Lloyds TSB Commercial handicap went to 12/1 chance Iron Step for trainer Nicky Vaughan and jockey James Doyle.
The leader Elusivity looked as if he would hold on entering the final furlong but Iron Step outstayed that rival to win going away by half a length.
The final word went to Solemn who took the Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance for trainer Milton Bradley and jockey Liam Keniry.
Don't forget day three of the Spring Meeting tomorrow. First race 1:45
