Sharp Crisp Air

The Dermot Weld-trained Sharp Crisp Air ran a really encouraging race on her debut in the 10-furlong three-year-old fillies’ maiden at Leopardstown on Monday, and she could be a useful filly.

Admittedly the 105-rated Scintillula, who had been second to Sky Lantern in last year’s Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes, was disappointing in fourth, but Sharp Crisp Air was the only debutante in the race and she may have won with a clear run.

Immediately dropped out by Pat Smullen, she travelled sweetly last of the five runners, and was still going nicely as they turned into the home straight. She was just caught in a pocket up the inside, however, having improved around the home turn, with the result that she wasn’t well placed when the pace lifted two furlongs out. Having negotiated her way around the weakening pace-setter, she was picking up impressively when there was again no room for her back on the inside through the final 100 yards as the first two drifted down towards the rail, and she had to just coast home behind them.

Although Sharp Crisp Air is by Danehill Dancer, whose progeny often appreciate a bit of cut in the ground, she is from a very good family who were generally at their best on faster ground, so this soft ground may not have been an advantage. One of her half-brothers, Relaxed Gesture, won the Grade 1 Canadian International and another, Evolving Tactics, won the Grade 2 American Derby at Arlington. Sharp Crisp Air is very promising, and it is interesting that Dermot Weld started her off here, against a horse with such strong juvenile form, as he won this race with the very talented Princess Highway last year. That could be a clue as to how highly Sharp Crisp Air in regarded. She should win her maiden without too much fuss now, but she will be very interesting when she steps up in grade.

15th April 2013