Semra looks ‘as good as it gets’ for a Maiden Fillies’ Stakes over six furlongs of Chelmsford polytrack today, albeit unopposable and professionally-minded punters will be targeting Marco Botti’s once-raced charge.
Apprentice Daniel Muscott is beginning to get the much-needed breaks and he’ll be excited to keep the ride on Semra, just over a length runner-up to Cocoa Beach in a fast run race over a similar distance on Wolverhampton Tapeta four weeks ago.
Botti is a patient trainer and it’s significant plenty of ‘recovery-time’ has been allowed to benefit this Candy Ride filly, owned by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum!
On the time-handicap it really should be a procession; doubtless Paradise Palm will also benefit from a promising debut just after Xmas and command a deal of support but don’t oppose Semra, whatever the price!
Veteran sprinter Desert Strike has an excellent opportunity in the six-runner ‘aged’ handicap over five furlongs, despite being drawn widest!
Desert Strike has been out of form a long time but hit the gate eighteen days ago under John Egan, collared in the last stride at Kempton, over six.
This Conor Dore-trained 10-year-old is undoubtedly better over the minimum trip; Desert Strike last won six months ago under now-retired Hayley Turner, a replication of that TH mark will definitely be good enough and so let’s take advantage of good, recent form.
To think we purchased Desert Strike (privately!) after he’d won four races, he’s now scored TWENTY-FOUR races.
Alan King enjoyed five NH winners last Saturday, he’s also a dab hand on the flat, winning the ‘Ces’ with Grumeti; interestingly he’s declared Precision Five for the ‘aged’ handicap over fourteen furlongs and booked 5lbs apprentice, Josephine Gordon!
Now that is significant!
Selections: Chelmsford.
2.10 Desert Strike;
2.40 Precision Five;
5.10 Semra (nap).