Paul Mulrennan: I’m hopeful she’ll run a massive race

Beverley stages the Hilary Needler Trophy, with Saturday’s fixture being one of the seasons highlights at the East Yorkshire track. 

I enjoyed success in this race with Jadanna (James Given; 2012) and Easton Angel (Michael Dods; 2015). Both of those fillies contested the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot on their next appearance. Easton Angel finishing runner-up to the Wesley Ward-trained speedster Acapulco. 

Nowadays, with regular commitments in Scotland, I have become a less frequent visitor to Beverley. The track can present a challenge for any rider. Draw and track position are important. Like anywhere else, it is possible to win from behind, but ideally you need to be on the front or close to pace. If you do become trapped down the inside rail, then you need a whole lot of luck for a gap to open. 

I’m drawn mid-pack in stall 8 aboard Brazilian Belle for Michael Dods in the Hilary Needler (2.05pm), and even though it is competitive numerically this year, I’m hopeful that she’ll run a massive race. I have ridden her at home recently and she has really come forward since Catterick. Michael’s two-year-olds have all been running well. 

She did it easily in that Catterick maiden under Connor Beasley. That race was like a piece of work for her. She’s a good stamp of a filly, big and strong, and worthy of her place in this better-quality contest.  

I rode a nice winner for Hugo Palmer at Musselburgh last Saturday, so it is good to have the opportunity to partner Order Of Malta (3.50pm).

 From what I understand, he was a shade too keen at Chester, just a bit fresh and strong on his first start of the year. Hopefully, dropping back in trip here will help. I’m drawn to strike (in stall 1), so can elect to either make the running or take a lead. I know those connected with the stable are expecting a big run. 

Tina Jackson’s Park Street (3.15pm) makes his seasonal reappearance. He finished sixth of eight in this contest last year, but with two Beverley wins on his CV, this is undoubtedly his favoured track. We’ll see how we go.  

Similar comments apply to Madame Christine (5.00pm). Ann Duffield’s filly is yet to win after ten starts but has never really been beaten that far and has dropped to a career-low mark. We’ll see how she goes with cheekpieces added to the tongue-tie which was worn for the first time at Redcar. 

This week, I have nominated three horses to keep an eye upon. 

Watcha Matey continued his progress with a stylish win in the Edinburgh Cup, proving three-lengths too strong for Whathappensinvegas. The form was given an immediate boost with the runner-up going one place better at Hamilton Park 24 hours later. There were no excuses for any of the others, I won fair and square. Watcha Matey is a lovely big horse, so there could be more to come from his revised mark of 93. 

Savrola finished fourth on first start for Dianne Sayer at Ayr on Monday. Formerly trained by James Ferguson in Newmarket, he was making his first appearance since competing at Newcastle last October. Hurdling is on the agenda long-term, but I’d imagine that he’ll prove capable of doing a job on the Flat beforehand. The easy mile at Ayr was sharp enough. There was a good strong gallop, and he found himself badly outpaced. He needs to step up in distance, which could potentially bring a race like the Cumberland Plate at Carlisle into the thinking.  

Pap’s Turf might well have finished last of four on debut at Ayr on Monday but does possess ability. He was green, finding himself outpaced over the six-furlong trip. The race was won by Electrolyte, a Wathnan Racing newcomer. I’d be confident that Adrian Keatley’s Shaman colt can develop into a nice horse given more time. His dam was a half-sister to the 1m 4f Group Three winner High Heeled, so he’ll be suited by a greater test of stamina. 

I was delighted to see Francisco’s Piece win the Listed Prix la Fleche at Chantilly last Sunday. That race has a rich heritage, won by none other than Siyouni when run at Maisons-Laffitte in 2009.  

Francisco’s Piece is now two from three in his short career, the defeat coming to Shadow Army  at York. I’ve never ridden a two-year-old with an attitude like his, absolutely nothing is a bother. 

I was fortunate enough to ride him on debut at Pontefract (he was the first to go on The Weekly Watchlist) and have ridden him regularly in work since. He has a superb attitude. Plaudits to his trainer Adrian Keatley who reminds me of Patrick Haslam in that he can train all types of horses, a two-year-old, a Flat stayer, a hurdler or whatever. He’s a natural, a proper dab hand.