LAURENTIA justified 7/2 favouritism on Wolverhampton’s Tapeta surface last night to add to her two successes on the polytrack at Lingfield and Chelmsford during the last two months.
She was given a great ride by the stable’s five pound claimer, Sophie Ralston, who won on her at Lingfield in August. The filly really appreciates a good pace in the race which unfortunately there wasn’t in this mile and half a furlong handicap but Sophie tracked across from her wide draw and bided her time at the rear. As the race developed, Sophie started to make her move but was denied a clear run over a furlong out. However, Laurentia went up the inside and with a sustained run alongside the running rail, ran on to score comfortably by half a length from the second favourite, Whatwouldyouknow.
They say back fillies in form, particularly at this time of year and no filly could be in better form. She’s won her three of her last four starts, all on the all-weather and although this was her first win on the tapeta surface, she had shown form on the track in the summer when third and fifth in two races at Dunstall Park.
Congratulations to Sophie who was riding her sixth winner for Harper Lodge Farm this year, one less than last year. She’ll be keen to beat that tally and who’s to say she won’t when she’s riding the likes of Laurentia?
The 4yo daughter of Iffraaj has been a revelation during recent weeks and proven a real thrill for owners, Doolan, Edwards & Hayes who are currently leading owners at the yard in 2020 in terms of wins!
While Sophie received plaudits for a great ride, she was quick to praise stable lass Emily Darby who has ridden Laurentia in most of her work. Well done to Emily, pictured here with her pride and joy and who only joined the yard a few months ago!