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Marygate Fillies Stakes preview

Doing a review of every 2yo race for the season doesn't have much point unless I start using the information before a race. And it's hard work trying to keep up with them all! So here we go with the opening race at York on Friday, the Listed Marygate Fillies Stakes.

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Marygate Fillies' Stakes
Class 1, Listed, 5f, £50k
York, 1420 local, 2320 AEST


Blessed To Empress. Won on debut at Chelmsford, but it was 4/1 the field in a seven-horse race, and returned the second lowest winning RPR for a 2yo race this season. Unfashionable jockey and trainer, out of depth here.

Che Bella. Went backwards at her second start, and the debut wasn't particularly flash either. Nope.

Daddies Girl. Successful at her third start, each time against decent quality. New jockey again which can't be a positive but counter that with a big improvement from 5lb claimer to Andrea Atzeni. Drawn in the middle, so plenty of options if bias is a concern.

Dolly Dagger. No. 50/1 and beaten 8L vs Daddies Girl last time, add a zero here.

Faithful Promise. Typical tough Johnston juvenile making her fourth start already, tasting success last time at Musselburgh. Took three runs to get to RPR77, a few of these started higher. Drawn the far rail, not ideal but will set a genuine pace.

Formidable Kitt. Highly impressive at Newmarket on debut, yet jockey Richard Kingscote had expected her to win even easier. Stable form is slightly concerning, just 1/31 in past 14 days, however it is the juvenile side which is keeping them positive: 223162 in the last week (and the unplaced one was 50/1). Should go very close.

Get Even. Won what looked like a fairly average Wolverhampton race last start, but Diamond Pursuit, Faithful Promise and Yogi's Girl have all since won out of it. There are stronger formlines. Probably the latest foal of this field though, meaning scope to improve is likely to be higher.

Gisele's Angel. Impressive win on debut at Pontefract, over Lord Riddiford who won yesterday. Very quick, ground shouldn't worry her.

Izzy Bizu. Second of the Johnston fillies by jockey booking, won a low-rating race at Catterick on debut, beating the same filly as Bless To Empress by a similar margin. Look further.

Kentish Waltz. French raider, winner of only start with no vision available. Paid 36/1 that day on the tote, with a handy RPR figure, 81. Here for the craic or chasing black type? Big question mark, I'll pass simply because there are some very handy fillies in this setting a high standard.

Maggies Angel. Won very easily on debut at Ripon displaying a nice turn of foot after signs of immaturity and overracing.

Main Desire. Most impressive at Nottingham a fortnight ago, Tudhope barely touched her and away she went. Speaking of Tudhope, he's ridden two winners at 20/1+ at York so far, just wait until he gets on a good one! Can't imagine cut in the ground would be a negative. The one to beat, but don't get carried away with the price. Drawn in the middle.

Mistress of Venice. Ran a blackbooker on debut but not for this level. Decent roughie for exotics, placepots etc.

Mount Victoria. Runner-up to Maggies Angel on debut at Ripon, comfortably held. Stablemate of Mistress of Venice.

Neola. Moderate debut in a strong field then blitzed a field last Friday in one of the highest rating races this juvenile season. Dam won on soft and heavy, so ground probably won't hurt her.

Summary:
Guessing whether there will be any draw bias here but there should be solid pace on the inside, with Faithful Promise and Mount Victoria likely to push forward. Very hard not to be taken by the win of Neola, running slick time coming from last. Main Desire possesses a lovely turn of foot and Formidable Kitt is held in high regard.

Neola
Main Desire
Formidable Kitt

Don't be afraid to include Faithful Promise, Get Even or Mistress of Venice for exotics value.

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