Mighty Could Appreciate Return To Quick Ground At Yarmouth

Eretara was unfortunately a non-runner on Monday, the drying ground the most likely reason for her withdrawal. She remains one to keep an eye on over 12f+ on easy ground. Tomorrow I have my sight set on a 3yo filly at Yarmouth, and I think she could take a big step forward on what she has shown in her short six race career so far.

Royal Mighty is a 3yo filly by Mighty, out of a Royal Applause mare who gained her only win over 8f as a 3yo. This filly is trained by the Chapple-Hyam's, and she had 5 starts as a 2yo. She was poor on her three runs in maidens, two at 6f and one at 7f, but she showed definite signs of ability on her handicap debut off a mark of 50 at Lingfield on the all weather last August. She broke well, was reined back into midfield and turning for home she made her move.

She had every chance entering the final furlong, and it looked as though she might throw down a serious challenge for the win. She ended up in 5th, beaten 3L for the win, but it was a blanket finish for the places. She didn't seem to fade in the final furlong, she just seemed to lack the turn of foot showed by some of her rivals. On the evidence of that run I thought stepping up in trip was the obvious move and, lo and behold, she reappeared over 11.5f on soft at Lingfield at the start of last month.

She was claimer ridden that day, and she ended up well beaten in last. However, it was fairly plain to see that she wasn't in love with the soft conditions, and her pedigree suggests she will be more at home on a better surface. Her sire hasn't had many chances, but of his three progeny to have run he has had a winner (10f). Her dam was a winner over 8f on good ground, and she is related to horses that have won over trips ranging from 7f to 16f on all sorts of ground.

All of her dam's relations took time to mature, and this filly looked like she had wintered well on her reappearance at Lingfield. She looked as though she had filled out somewhat, and she definitely seems a better physical specimen than she did as a 2yo. She was well beaten last time, but she may well have needed it, and hopefully she appreciates the firmer surface tomorrow.

Danny Brock is no stranger to riding big priced winners, and he has won on 9 and been placed on 15 of his 78 rides for Chapple Hyam. He was on board for Royal Mighty's standout effort at Lingfield, so he knows her well. Hopefully he can conjure an improved effort from her at Yarmouth on Thursday and, at odds of 33/1 and off a mark of just 48, I think she is worth a pound or two each way in a trappy looking handicap.

STEVOS' SELECTION: 3.50 YARMOUTH-ROYAL MIGHTY E/W 33/1