Ladys First looks decent value at 8/1 in the Middleton Stakes at York today (2.15).
Richard Fahey’s filly put in a series of solid efforts in some decent events last year, finishing a fine third to Duntle in the Sandringham at Royal Ascot where she raced on the unfavoured far side.
She came clear of the group of 4 that day but had no chance with those drawn on the stands rails, and although beaten 3 lengths it was a fine effort against a very useful filly who has gone to to subsequently land two Group 3 contests.
The daughter of Dutch Art went on to get beat just a head by Falls Of Lora in the listed Coral Distaff over a mile at Sandown, where she ran on strongly once headed and had one of today’s rivals Starscope 4 lengths behind her in fourth.
She went on to get due reward for those efforts when making all and staying on powerfully to beat Dank by 3/4 of a length in a listed contest at Hyadock, before going down by just a neck to the same rival in a Group 3 at Sandown.
The four-year-old was the far from disgraced on her final start at Newmarket when fourth of 10 to Chigun, where she led the group down the centre and stayed on again once headed to be beaten 2 1/4 lengths.
The way she was staying on at the end of those runs suggest that a step up in trip to today’s 1m 2f will suit, and she looks the tyope who could have plenty more to offer this season if that proves to be the case.
Although now upped in grade, this isn’t the strongest of Group 2 contests – especially if you take out the French raider Dalkala who heads the market at 5/2.
That rival has to shoulder a penalty and give the selection 2lb, and on thing for sure is that Ladys First will not go down without a fight.
To me she holds really solid claims in this, and with bet365 going 1/4 odds 1,2,3 rates a solid each-way punt.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts each-way Ladys First (8/1 bet365 – BOG, enhanced place terms 1/4 odds 1,2,3)
