Arabian Comet

Arabian Comet did really well to get as close as she did in the Galtres Stakes at York on Friday, given how the race was run. The sectionals for the race were, by furlong: 14.8, 13.97, 12.7, 12.13, 13.04, 13.48, 13.33, 11.42, 11.56, 11.28, 12.02 and 12.46. They sauntered through the early stages, they did not pick up the pace until the run to the four-furlong pole, when they clocked a sectional that was two seconds faster than the previous one. The hottest part of the race by far was from the five-furlong pole to the furlong pole, they were the four fastest furlongs in the race, and that was the part of the race through which Arabian Comet tried to make her ground.

Second last of the 10 runners at the top of the home straight, William Haggas’ filly was asked for her effort from four furlongs pole. She got a little out-paced between the two-furlong pole and the furlong pole, as Queen Of Ice and Noble Protector duelled in front, but she stayed on really well through the final furlong as her stamina kicked in, and she almost got up to beat Queen Of Ice. Her stable companion had led the whole way, while Noble Protector, who had raced prominently throughout, and was the first one to challenge the leader, finished third, with the front three nicely clear. Arabian Comet was the only one who could get into the race from the rear, and she almost won it.

Second to Missunited in the Lillie Langtry Stakes over one mile and six furlongs at Goodwood on her previous run, the sedate early pace over a mile and a half would not have been in her favour, and she did really well to get as close as she did. She will be of interest now back in a fast-run 12-furlong race, or back over a mile and six.

When she ran in the Lillie Langtry, her stamina for the trip was not assured, and she was ridden accordingly. As well as that, she did not appear to be at home on the undulating track. She is a hold-up filly anyway but, now that connections know she stays a mile and six furlongs, she can be asked for her effort earlier over that trip.

The Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting is the obvious race for her. She should appreciate the relatively flat track and the long home straight, and she will be of interest if she takes her chance in that.

21st August 2014