Majestic Glory another Balding beauty in Sweet Solera Stakes

Majestic Glory provided owner Gearoid Costelloe with a day to remember when taking her form to new heights after securing the biggest success of her career in the 100% Racingtv Profits Back To Racing Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket.

Having opened her account at the third time of asking on the July Course over six furlongs just eight days ago, the Andrew Balding-trained daughter of Frankel took both a step up in class and trip in her stride to claim the Group Three feature.

Although slightly boxed in between rivals the 5-1 chance soon made her presence felt once the gaps appeared to mount a serious challenge approaching the final quarter of a mile of the seven furlong prize.

Finding plenty when called on her for maximum effort Majestic Glory swept past long-time leader, and eventual third Value Theory, inside the two pole before proving a length too strength for the 5-2 favourite Wild Beauty.

Gearoid Costelloe, owner, said: “This is our first adventure and on the Flat. It doesn’t get much better racing up in this class.

“She did it well to come through the gap she had to go through as well. I’m very happy. Andrew (Balding) kept saying she keeps improving and he was very confident this morning, thankfully he was right.

“She was bred to go over further so to win over six furlongs last time was a bonus so hopefully she will go on from this, fingers crossed.

“We’ve not got a plan we will do whatever Andrew tells us. He is doing a very good job and we will just follow him. Thankfully it has all worked out today.

“It is fantastic to have a winner here. It was very important getting the Black Type and she is by Frankel who is one of the best sires around.”

It was a second pattern race victory at the track this year for winning jockey David Probert, who steered stablemate of the winner Sandrine to Group Two glory in last month’s Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes at the Moët & Chandon July Festival.

Although admitting it was hard to compare the two fillies he was quick to praise the attitude of Majestic Glory.

He said: “It was a quick turnaround but she handles this track very well and she has got a great attitude.

“She got slightly boxed on along the inside but she is small enough and nimble enough to find a way out of that trouble and she has hit the rising ground well.

“She is progressing quite nicely. I think she is much different to Sandrine as she will probably want a mile whereas Sandrine has got a little more speed in her.

“It is hard to compare the pair of them as Sandrine is pretty special.”

Trainer Ralph Beckett hopes Girl On Film can prove up to Group race level in time following her debut success in the Visit racingtv.com British EBF “Newcomers” Restricted Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.

The Dabirsim filly clearly knew what was required on her racecourse bow after running out an easy winner of the seven furlong contest, which has been claimed in recent years by subsequent Group One scorers Wuheida (2016) and Winsili (2012).

Despite taking time to reach top gear the 7-4 favourite was comfortably on top of her rivals at the end of the race after passing the post a length and a half clear of runner-up Bellstreet Bridie.

Beckett, speaking away from the track, said: “She is a very straightforward filly edging towards being sleepy. She took a while to get going but she went through the line well.

“She is a big tall, leggy filly that first and foremost has only just come to hand. Hopefully she will develop through the autumn.

“We will see where we go from here as she might need a week or two afterwards to get over this but I’d hope she would be up to Group race level.

“She is still fairly unfurnished and she will be seen at her best next year.”

Equally as impressed with the performance was winning rider Rossa Ryan.

He said: “She is a big raw type and that was a lovely introduction. I thought I found myself a fair way back but I was always in control of the race.

“I think she is a lovely filly that will progress well and whatever she does this year will be a bonus to what she could be next year.”