Empress Fillies’ Stakes preview: Tate and Palmer hold strong hand

James Tate is confident Havana Sprite can take the step up in grade within her stride when she tries Listed company for the first time in the Empress Fillies’ Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday.

The daughter of Havana Grey was fourth on debut behind the smart George Scott-trained Efsixteen and just tapped found Havana Lightning too good at Yarmouth, before finally getting her nose in front at Bath, making all to come home a comfortable winner.

Her Newmarket handler believes the step up in trip to six furlongs will suit, saying: “She’s a filly who has always showed up well at home and we’re happy with all three of her runs.

“She looks like six furlongs could bring out a little bit more improvement in her so I guess that’s what we’re hoping in our hunt for black type,” said Tate.

“She galloped out well at Newmarket and she galloped out well at Yarmouth, but was just caught slightly flat-footed when the winner sprinted that day.

“She certainly wasn’t tired when she won the other day at Bath as she gave the road crossing about six foot, so six furlongs for the first time the hope is there is improvement to come.

“She definitely acts on quick ground, we know that from previous races, so that should be fine, and it’s probably also in her favour that she’s trained in Newmarket and doesn’t have far to travel in the heat beforehand.”

Tate will be double-handed, with Beauty Box quickly back on track after a taking win at Ripon last week.

“Beauty Box has a very similar profile. A creditable green fourth at Newmarket, second at Windsor, where she probably just did a bit too much in front, and then didn’t like the track at Ripon, but got the job done anyway,” he said.

“We thought she should have a go as well, as black type is very important to these fillies so we’ll see what she can do and she’s proven over the six. We’re taking a slight chance with the turnaround, but it wasn’t that tough a race for her and these Listed races are so important for these fillies that we thought it was worth the risk.”

Hugo Palmer will also be double-handed, through Glorious Game and Californian Angel.

Charlie Johnston’s The Can Can Queen, What A Girl Wants from the Kevin Philippart De Foy yard, Motown Filly for Richard Spencer and Lemos De Souza’s Margaret’s Pearl complete the eight-runner field.