FOXTROT LADY “IN GREAT FORM”FOR YORK ASSIGNMENT

TRAINER Andrew Balding has high hopes for Foxtrot Lady in the Pavers Foundation Catherine Memorial Sprint, the feature race on Saturday’s card at York.

Owned by Jeff Smith, Foxtrot Lady has been a model of consistency, only once finishing out of the first three in her nine starts.

She finished off a solid juvenile campaign with an admirable third in the Redcar Two-Year-Old Trophy and was runner-up on her first two starts of 2018.

She has since won her latest two racecourse outings; fillies’ handicaps at Chester and Carlisle.  And her trainer reports her to be in fine fettle ahead of Saturday’s race.

Balding said: “Foxtrot Lady is improving with every run and won her last start at Carlisle nicely. This is a much stronger assignment but she seems in great form and we would be hopeful of a good run from her.

“Her half-sister (Dancing Star) was second in the race so it would be great if this filly can go one better.”

As expected a maximum field of 20 will face the starter for the £100,000 prize which has been won in the past by the likes of Twilight Son and Mr Lupton.

Last year’s winning trainer Tim Easterby looks to have a decent shout of striking again with two solid chances in Angels and Staxton, whilst fellow Yorkshire handlers Richard Fahey and Kevin Ryan will saddle four and three runners respectively.

Balding also looks to have strong claims on Friday’s card with Here Comes When who lines up in the £50,000 feature mrgreen.com Live Casino Ganton Stakes, a mile Listed race.
Owned by Mrs Fitri Hay, Here Comes When won the Group 1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood last season and is dropping down in grade.

Balding added: “Here Comes When looks tremendous and is in great form. Obviously all his best form is with some cut in the ground but he has run well on good ground and I’d say that as long as the ground isn’t too quick, he’ll take his chance.”

The two-day fixture is the biggest charity meeting in Britain having raised over £7.5million for good causes since 1971.

The first race on both days is scheduled for 1:50pm.