Hint Of A Tint

Hint Of A Tint ran a really promising race in the Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown on Sunday, stepping up on what she had achieved previously on this, her first attempt at a mile.

Settled in midfield by Fran Berry in the early stages of the race, she travelled strongly, and she improved nicely around the home turn, but she just had to fight for position briefly early in the home straight. Just Pretending had taken up the running two furlongs out and Joseph O’Brien had got to work early on the eventual winner, but Hint Of A Tint quickly got after her and kept on well to the line, only just failing to catch Aidan O'Brien's filly, who has thrived since being fitted with a hood. The two market leaders, We’ll Go Walking and Rawaaq, may have run below form, but the front pair were clear of the rest, and they clocked the best comparative time of the day, so the form does look strong.

The David Wachman-trained filly is obviously highly regarded – she was sent off a well-backed favourite for the Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial in April on just her second ever run, her first since July last year – and she could do better stepped up again in trip on this evidence. Out of a Galileo mare who is a half-sister to several middle-distance performers, including Hernando, she is bred more for middle distances than this mile, and she could improve again when she encounters a longer trip. She is entered in the Oaks and, with owner Sue-Ann Foley's Alive Alive Oh unlikely to take her chance at Epsom, Hint Of A Tint would warrant respect were she to travel. If she doesn't make it to Epsom, she will be of interest wherever she goes next. She could be an Irish Oaks filly.  She could be that good.

12th May 2013

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