Ed Walker sweet on Indian Blessing in Salisbury Listed heat

Ed Walker is expecting a bold show from Indian Blessing in her quest for Listed honours in the British Stallion Studs EBF Upavon Fillies' Stakes at Salisbury on Wednesday.

The Upper Lambourn handler believes the three-year-old filly has plenty going for her as she takes on older members of her sex in the 10-furlong feature.

Indian Blessing's last three runs have been at this level, with one third and two fourth places to her name, and Walker felt the race was not run to suit at Vichy last time.

He said: "She's a smart filly with good form.

"She was unlucky in a messy race in France last time and we're very much hoping she can get her head in front in a stakes race.

"She is certainly good enough and the stiff 10 furlongs will suit her.

"She has proved herself pretty versatile as regards the ground last time. It was quite soft in France. We always felt she was a top-of-the-ground filly and she does like that ground.

"She has a good draw (four) and we're very hopeful. It looks a good spot.

"Playful Sound is probably a worthy favourite, but I wouldn't be surprised if our filly was bang there at the end."

Roger Varian has high expectations for Serenada, who has form as good as anything in this contest.

"Serenada was Group Three placed over this trip in the Musidora Stakes so we wanted to run her again over 10 furlongs.," the Newmarket trainer told www.varianstable.com.

"That piece of form is right up there with the best on offer in this race on official ratings and I am looking forward to running her here.

"She is in good form."